In West Virginia, the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver (IDDW) is a Medicaid program that offers home and community-based services to individuals aged three and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The program’s primary goal is to provide support that enables participants to achieve the highest possible level of independence and self-sufficiency within their communities.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the IDDW program, applicants must:

• Age: Be at least three years old.
• Residency: Be a resident of West Virginia at the time of application.
• Diagnosis: Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability and/or a related condition that manifested before the age of 22.
• Functional Limitations: Exhibit substantial limitations in at least three of the following areas: self-care, language and communication, learning, mobility, self-direction, or capacity for independent living.
• Financial Eligibility: Meet the financial criteria as determined by the local West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office.
• Service Preference: Opt for home and community-based services over institutional care, such as Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). dhhr.wv.gov

Services Provided: The IDDW program offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to individual needs, including:

• Case Management: Coordinating and overseeing the delivery of services.
• Nursing Services: Providing medical care and health monitoring.
• Behavior Support Professional Services: Developing strategies to address behavioral challenges.
• Residential Services: Offering support in various living arrangements.
• Day Program Services: Facilitating daytime activities that promote skill development.
• Respite Care: Providing temporary relief for primary caregivers, available both in-home and out-of-home.
• Supported Employment Services: Assisting individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment. datswv.com

Application Process: To apply for the IDDW program, individuals or their representatives should contact the local DHHR office or the program’s administrative body. The application process involves an evaluation by a licensed psychologist from the West Virginia Independent Psychologist Network (IPN) to assess eligibility based on medical, psychological, and social criteria. This evaluation must be completed and submitted within 60 days of the initial application. A final eligibility determination is made by the West Virginia medical eligibility contract agent within 30 days of receiving the evaluation.

It’s important to note that enrollment in the IDDW program is contingent upon the availability of funded slots. Therefore, even if an applicant meets all eligibility criteria, they may be placed on a waiting list until a slot becomes available.

For more detailed information or assistance with the application process, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their local DHHR office or visit the official West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website.