In Louisiana, the Supports Waiver (SW) is a Medicaid program designed to provide home and community-based services to individuals aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities. Established on July 1, 2006, the waiver aims to offer meaningful opportunities for vocational activities and community inclusion, enhancing participants’ independence and quality of life.

Services Offered: Participants in the Supports Waiver have access to a range of services, including:

• Support Coordination: Assistance in planning and coordinating services.
• Supported Employment: Help in obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Prevocational Services: Training to prepare for employment.
• Day Habilitation: Activities aimed at developing social and adaptive skills.
• Respite Care: Short-term relief for primary caregivers.
• Habilitation: Services focused on acquiring, retaining, and improving self-help and other skills.
• Permanent Supportive Housing Stabilization and Transition: Assistance with housing needs.
• Personal Emergency Response System: Devices to ensure personal safety.

Additionally, participants are eligible for all medically necessary Medicaid services and may also receive Long Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS).

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Supports Waiver, an individual must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
• Have a Statement of Approval from the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD).
• Meet Louisiana’s definition of developmental disability, which includes significant limitations in areas such as self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
• Require the level of care provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID).

Application Process: Individuals interested in the Supports Waiver should contact their local Human Services District or Authority to initiate the eligibility determination process. Once deemed eligible for OCDD services, they can request to be added to the Developmental Disability Request for Services Registry (RFSR). Placement on the RFSR is based on the date of the service request and the urgency of need. When a waiver slot becomes available, those in the highest priority category with the earliest request dates are offered services first.

It’s important to note that the Supports Waiver is not intended to provide 24-hour support but rather to offer services that promote independence and community involvement.