What is a waitlist?
When funding limits the availability of services, waiting lists are established for individuals seeking services. Essentially, a waitlist is a backlog of eligible individuals waiting to enroll in a program because funding is not available to authorize immediate enrollment.
Currently, the following I/DD programs have statewide waitlists:
- Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS-DD) / Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver (DD)
Currently, the following programs may have waitlists within their local communities:
- State Supported Living Services Program (State-SLS)
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA-SLS)
- Family Support Services
Waitlist Facts
Fact #1
It is possible to be enrolled in one program and on a waitlist for another (different) program:
- Example: Many families are on the waitlist for the Family Support Program (FSSP) but are enrolled and receiving services through the Community Outreach Waitlist program
- Example: Most individuals on the waitlist for the HCBS-DD Waiver are currently receiving services on the HCBS-SLS Waiver
Fact #2
In most circumstances, to be listed as waiting, individuals must otherwise meet the program criteria for the chosen program.
Fact #3
While waiting, individuals will be contacted for waitlist updates regularly, which is a requirement for managing and maintaining up-to-date waitlist information.
Fact #4
Some waitlists are managed at a statewide level (the HCBS-DD Waiver, for instance), and some are managed locally by assigned catchment areas (such as State SLS and FSSP).
Let’s Talk Timelines
A timeline is a marker of a person’s needs and preferences regarding the program they’re waiting for. For example, for the HCBS-DD Waiver, there are three main timelines that describe a person’s level of need.
As Soon As Available (ASAA)
An individual is in great need of DD resources and would take the spot if offered today.
Safety Net (maybe someday)
An individual does not have an urgent need for DD resources, but may in the future.
See Date (upon turning 18)
Children may be offered a DD resource upon turning 18 if enrolled in an HCBS Waiver (such as CHRP or CES).
This graphic represents the individuals waiting for “ASAA” for the HCBS/DD Waiver and how many are currently enrolled in other programs.
Since the HCBS/DD Waiver historically has a long waitlist, we encourage you to connect with us about our other programs and services that may be helpful to you and/or your family.
Timelines can be changed at any time. Specific criteria may be in place for ASAA timelines, such as:
- Having a completed and appropriately current level of care assessment on file
- Having active Medicaid and/or have applied for Medicaid
- Having a completed and current Most In Need (MIN) Assessment on file
What else do I need to know?
We contact you annually, depending on your waitlist status, to make updates to our records so we have the most up-to-date information on your needs and can help you connect to any resources that could be helpful.
Eligibility for and enrollment into programs varies based on the eligibility requirements and targeting criteria of the program.