Introduction to Medicaid Waivers

Are you or your family member in need of services such as respite, personal care, assistive technology, employment, residential services, nursing or behavioral supports? If so, you need to find out about Medicaid Waivers. 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.

Don’t worry about the financial Medicaid requirements! For children and adults with developmental disabilities, family income is NOT considered.

What are the Medicaid Waiver Programs? 
Virginia offers multiple Medicaid waiver programs. There are two waiver programs that are most commonly used by people with developmental disabilities. They are:

1. Developmental Disability Waiver serves individuals of any age with a developmental disability and children (birth through age 9) with a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition. Within the Developmental Disability Waiver Program, there are three waivers that provide a continuum of services: 

  • Building Independence (BI),
  • Family & Individual Support (FIS)
  • Community Living (CL).

The Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver Program provides supports and services options for successful living, learning, physical and behavioral health, employment, recreation and community inclusion.

To learn more about the DD Waiver Program click here.

2. Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver – Effective July 1, 2017, the EDCD and Technology Assisted waivers were combined into the new Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus(CCC) Waiver. The CCC Plus Waiver is part of  Medicaid's managed care program: Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Health Plan.  It serves all ages and does not have a waiting list.   The CCC Plus Waiver provides supports and services options for successful living, nursing, respite, assistive technology and environmental modifications. 

To learn more about the CCC Plus Waiver Program click here.