MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATION

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) is a program designed to help people with developmental disabilities live independent and productive lives in the community according to their own dreams and desires.  Through Medicaid Service Coordination, the individual works in a partnership with a qualified service coordinator to develop and maintain a personalized plan designed to meet individual needs and unique goals.  Quality services are provided by competent and caring staff.

Medicaid Service Coordinators provide assistance and advocacy in many areas, including finding a day program, medical providers, residential placement, recreational activities, financial supports (such as SSI or food stamps), respite, etc.  Medicaid Service Coordinators help people with community inclusion by assisting with developing personal relationships with others (not just immediate family), joining groups or organizations (such as clubs, religious congregations, civic groups, etc.) and by promoting relationships in the community with businesses (such as hairdressers or barbers, pharmacists, etc.).

Medicaid Service Coordinators meet with the individuals as often as needed.  One of the primary roles of Medicaid Service Coordinators is to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities, which includes being aware of the environment in which the person is living.

What are the qualifications of Medicaid Service Coordinators?

Medicaid Service Coordinators must meet certain educational standards and have previous experience either working with people with developmental disabilities and/or providing service coordination.  In addition all service coordinators must meet annual on-going training requirements.

Medicaid Service Coordinators put the person's best interests first.  Staff providing direct services (e.g. psychologists, medical staff, direct care) to a person cannot also provide service coordination to that person.  Program managers with direct control over a service a person receives may not directly supervise that person's service coordinator.

How much does Medicaid Service Coordination cost?

Medicaid Service Coordination is a Medicaid funded program, so there is no direct cost.

Who is Eligible to receive Medicaid Service Coordination?

In order to receive Medicaid Service Coordination, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

-Have a documented diagnosis of a developmental disability (such as intelluctual disability, cerebral palsy,  epilepsy, autism, and/or neurological impairment).  The onset of disability must have been before age 22.
- Exhibit significant adaptive behavior skill deficits.
- Be enrolled in Medicaid.
- Demonstrate a need for ongoing and comprehensive, rather than incidental service coordination.
- Choose to receive Medicaid Service Coordination.  An individual authorized to give consent on behalf of the person can also choose Medicaid Service Coordination.
- Not permanently live in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), Developmental Center (DC), Psychiatric Hospital, Small Residential Unit (SRU), Nursing Facility or Hospital, or any other Medicaid funded setting that provides service coordination.
- Not be enrolled in any other comprehensive Medicaid long-term care service coordination program.

      We can assist you with determining eligibility for services and applying for Medicaid.