MEDICAID
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for low-income and needy people. It covers children, the aged, blind, and/or disabled and other people who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments. Medicaid- Healthcare coverage for children under 18 years of age; Income based (also includes Peachcare for Kids) - https://www.pshpgeorgia.com/ .
Apply for Medicaid: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/how-apply
Even though you may be able to provide insurance for your child through an employer, it is beneficial to have Medicaid as a secondary insurance.
WAIVERS
SSI
Apply for SSI: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/start.html Apply for DAS: gvs.georgia.gov/social-security-services
Any person with a developmental disability can apply for SSI. Eligibility of SSI before the age of 18 is determined by parent’s income in addition to the student’s disability and needs. SSI provides a list of diagnosis/disabilities they accept. If denied, apply for Katie Becket. Katie Beckett is not determined by income and provides coverage under the age of 18.
Need help completing application and paperwork for SSI? The Bobby Dodd Institute (non-profit organization) can assist you. Here is the contact information: 678.365.0071 located at 2120 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Understanding SSI- Living Arrangements (If your young adult is over the age of 18, and you do not want deductions taken from your SSI amount, charge rent and living expenses or you will get a "In-Kind Support & Maintenance" deduction.) - Email Anna.Maki@bobbydodd.org for a rental agreement you can complete with your young adult. If you have full guardianship, your adult child can still sign the rental agreement. Reach out to the Bobby Dodd Institute for more information and assistance. Read more about understanding SSI and Living Arrangements here -
Katie-Beckett Deeming Waiver:
Not income based- This is Medicaid healthcare coverage for children with disabilities under the age of 18 who do not qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) because their family has income/assets above the financial eligibility limits for SSI.
Georgia Pathways to Coverage:
Georgia Pathways offers healthcare coverage to residents who meet program requirements and are not otherwise eligible for traditional Medicaid.
What is the NOW/COMP Waiver?
The NOW/COMP Waiver provides a wide variety of home and community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, allowing them to stay out of institutional settings. It is the largest waiver program in Georgia. Available to all ages. This waiver will fund services through community organizations like Happy Hour, Halo Group, New Generations, People Helping People, and many more. This is a needs based wavier. The greater the need the faster you move up the waitlist. It is extremely important to apply early for this waiver. Do not wait until they are in high school or getting ready to graduate. The application process is fairly simple but make sure you complete each step accurately or you will get denied. Get help with the application process before you submit to ensure you are approved.
Now Comp Waiver- Apply for DD Services | Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Apply for services by clicking the above link. Scroll down and under the APPLICATION link, watch the 25 minute tutorial video on how to apply. This will provide you with step by step instructions on the process.
Now and Comp are for eligible people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require supports after graduation. NOW offers services and support to enable individuals to remain living on their own or in their family home and participate in the community. COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, primarily those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require residential care.
Spanish Application- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:21841386-50e9-41ae-a886-b4044d4d9c5b
GUARDIANSHIP
also, referred to as conservatorship, is a legal process, utilized when a person can no longer make or communicate safe or sound decisions about his/her person and/or property or has become susceptible to fraud or undue influence. Because establishing a guardianship may remove considerable rights from an individual, it should only be considered after alternatives to guardianship have proven ineffective or are unavailable. Guardianship is the MOST restrictive form by taking ALL rights away from the individual. Alternatives to guardianship should be considered first. Guardianship should only be considered if the individual is not capable of making any decisions for themselves and can be proven through Probate Court. A petition is filed with the local Probate Court. As the parent/guardian, you will have to make the decision as to what you are looking for.
GILMORE CENTER
Thomas Skurja Center Director
770-358-5252 ext. 5211
Supported Employment
Community Integration
Day Programs
