Purpose of the NOW Program
The NOW waiver program offers services and supports to individuals to enable them to remain living in their own or family home and participate or live independently in the community.
Goals for participants in the NOW program, which serves individuals with less intensive needs than those in the COMP program, include:
• Avoiding the need for more intensive services. Increasing independence and quality of life of individuals with I/DD.
• Increasing the flexibility of service planning and delivery to meet exact individual needs.
• Providing the opportunity for all participants to elect to direct their services to the extent that they choose.
• Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of NOW participants.
Eligibility
Individuals who meet the level of care that would be required in an intermediate-care facility for people with intellectual disabilities (ICF-ID) may be eligible for home- and community-based services as an alternative through Georgia’s Medicaid NOW and COMP waiver programs.
To qualify for these waiver programs and be offered the choice of community-based services instead of institutional care, the individual must first meet the criteria for Medicaid payment in an institution and certain other criteria.
Specific qualifications:
• Are categorically eligible Medicaid recipients.
• Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability and/or a closely related condition.
• Are currently receiving the level of care provided in an ICF-ID that is reimbursable under the State Plan, and for whom home- and community-based services are determined to be an appropriate alternative.
• Are likely to require the level of care provided in an ICF-ID that would be reimbursable under the State Plan in the absence of home- and community-based services that are determined to be an appropriate alternative.
NOW Waiver Program Services
- Adult Dental Services
- Adult Nursing Service
- Adult Occupational Therapy Services
- Adult Physical Therapy Services
- Adult Speech and Language Therapy Services Additional Staffing Services
- Behavioral Supports Services Level I Behavioral Supports Services Level II Community Access Services
- Community Guide Services
- Community Living Support Services
- Environmental Accessibility
- Adaptation Services
- Financial Support Services
- Individual Directed Goods and Services Interpreter Services
- Natural Support Training Services
- Nutrition Services
- Pre-vocational Services
- Respite Services
- Respite Out-of-Home 15-minute Services Specialized Medical
- Equipment Services
- Specialized Medical Supplies Services Support Coordination Services
- Intensive Support Coordination Services Supported Employment Services Transportation Services
- Vehicle Adaption Services
For More Information
Visit the DCH website at: www.dch.georgia.gov or visit the DBHDD website at www.dbhdd.georgia.gov.