Medicaid Resources
NOW and COMP Waivers
Individuals with significant intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or neurological impairments may be eligible for the NOW or COMP waivers.
The NOW Waiver stands for New Options Waiver. It provides support to people who do not need 24-hour care. It was designed for people with disabilities who live with family members or in their own home. There is a limit of $25,000 a year for services under the NOW Waiver. This waiver is for people who need less intensive services and support.
The COMP Waiver stands for Comprehensive Supports Waiver. It was designed for people who need a full range of out-of-home services or intensive in-home services. The COMP Waiver is also used for people who are transitioning out of institutions into community living. It is administered through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Find out more and how to apply for the NOW or COMP Waiver here: https://georgia.gov/apply-new-option-waiver-program-now-and-comprehensive-support-waiver-program-comp.
Babies Can’t Wait: Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) is Georgia’s statewide interagency service delivery system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. BCW is established by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which guarantees all eligible children, regardless of their disability, access to services that will enhance their development.
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD): DBHDD supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a broad variety of ways in their homes and communities. To be eligible for services, a person must have an intellectual or developmental disability that substantially impacts intellectual or adaptive functioning. The disability must have originated in the developmental years birth to age 18 for an intellectual disability, or by age 22 for a developmental disability.
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency: GVRA helps people with disabilities access career training, find employment, and achieve independence. Their services include career counseling, assistive work technology, supported employment.
Georgia Special Education Department of Education (GaDOE) – Division for Special Education Services and Supports: The Division provides support for leaders, teachers, and families to meet the whole child needs of each student to improve student outcomes resulting in an increased quality-of-life and workforce-ready future. The Division commits collaboration across agencies and school-home partnerships to support local school districts in their efforts to provide special education and related services for students with disabilities. The GaDOE provides General Supervision for local school districts to improve educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities and ensure that the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are met.
Georgia Medicaid Waiver Programs: Medicaid waiver programs help people who are elderly or have disabilities live in their home or community instead of an institution such as a nursing home or intermediate care facility for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Each program offers several core services that are determined by each person’s individual needs:
- Service coordination (help with managing care needs and services)
- Personal support (assistance with daily living activities, i.e. bathing, dressing, meals, and housekeeping)
- Home health services (nursing, home health aide, and occupational, physical and speech therapy)
- Emergency response systems
- Respite care (caregiver relief)
