Waiver Services

Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers pay for a variety of supports and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families who need long-term support systems to live successfully in the community rather than in institutional settings.

States apply for Medicaid Waivers to the federal Medicaid agency known as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This enables states to waive the requirements that individuals must reside in an institution in order to receive Medicaid funding for services.

A Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver is an individualized bundle of services and support options which can be used in homes, communities, and work environments to support the health, safety, and welfare of persons with developmental disabilities.

ASCV WORKSHOP: Medicaid waivers provide services and supports at home and in the community to children and adults with developmental disabilities who meet functional and financial eligibility requirements. This workshop is for individuals and families interested in learning the basics about DD Waivers, eligibility, and how to apply.

ADDITIONAL ASCV RESOURCES

Information & Referral – Our Information & Referral service provides one-on-one guidance to caregivers, individuals with autism, and professionals on a variety of topics (typically by phone and email) to connect them with the best possible local, state, and national resources.

INFORMATION ABOUT DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WAIVERS

Introduction to Medicaid Waivers from the Arc of Virginia
Navigating the Developmental Disability Waivers – A Guide for Individuals, Families, and Support Partners by DBHDS (updated January 2023) includes:
- Waiver Eligibility Criteria (begins on Page 6)
- Waiting List (begins on Page 13)
- Types of DD Waivers (begins on Page 23)
- Levels & Tiers (page 25)
- Overview of Services & Types of Waivers (begins on page 31)
- Services & Support Options (begins on page 44)

ELIGIBILITY

To apply for the Developmental Disability Waiver services, contact your local Community Services Board. The Community Services Board (CSB) staff will determine if you meet the definition of a developmental disability, and 2) meet the functional criteria as assessed on the Virginia Individual DD Eligibility Survey (VIDES) screening tool.

COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARDS CONTACT INFORMATION

Chesterfield: 804-748-1227
Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell and Petersburg, the counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry and Sussex: 804-862-8002
Goochland and Powhatan: 804-556-5800
Hanover: 804-365-4222
Henrico, Charles City, New Kent: 804-727-8500
King William: 804-639-9882
Louisa: 434-995-8941
Richmond City: 804-819-4000

WAITLIST RESOURCES

The Waiver Assignment Process is coordinated by your local Community Services Board. Waivers are assigned based on support needs, and when a Waiver slot is not available, the individual is placed on a waiting list. It is not a chronological waiting list.

You can read more about the criteria for each “Priority Level” of the waiting list HERE.

Possible Resources While on the Waiting List:

Waiting List Advocacy Tips

Review the VIDES, Priority Level Determination, Critical Needs Summary and Slot Assignment forms
Review the completed documents for accuracy; request copies for your records
Communicate changes in your situation in a timely manner to your case manager
Respond to annual inquiry notification