MEDICAID - IN-HOME SUPPORT WAIVER SERVICES (IHSW)
Developmental Disabilities Service Division (DDSD)
Department of Human Services (DHS)

PURPOSE
In-Home Support Waiver Services (IHSW) makes services and support available to Oklahoma residents with mental retardation who reside in their own homes or with family members. Services are intended to enhance individual and family capabilities, support and strengthen the family unit, and expand individual and family control and direction of available resources.
Out-of home residential services are not available through IHSW. Individuals may not receive IHSW and state-funded DDSD services (sheltered workshop, group home, community integrated employment or the family support assistance payment program) at the same time. Services which may be provided include: case management, homemaker service and habilitation, respite care, vocational services, transportation, in-home support services, nutritional services, special communication services, therapy services, and minor home modifications.

CONTACT
Jean Lemonier
Developmental Disabilities Services Division
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
PO Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
(405) 521-6252
FAX: (405) 522-1687

CONTACT
To make application for services, contact the Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) area office nearest you.

Area I
729 Overland Trail
Enid, OK 73703
(580) 237-0995
(800) 522-1064
4545 N Lincoln Blvd, Ste 102
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 522-6925
(800) 522-1064
FAX: (405) 522-6995

Area II
Laura Dester Center
1427 E 8th St
Tulsa, OK 74120
(918) 560-4848
(800) 522-1075
FAX: (918) 560-4898

Area III
301 S Indian Meridian Rd
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
(405) 238-4700
(800) 522-1086
FAX: (405) 238-4745
See Appendix B for Department of Human Services County Office.

FINANCIAL CRITERIA
• See “Eligibility.”

ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be age 3 or above.
Applicants must have a developmental disability with a diagnosis of mental retardation as determined by the Social Security Administration or the OHCA’s Level of Care Evaluation Unit.
Applicants must be determined by the OHCA’s Level of Care Evaluation Unit to meet the ICF/MR/Waiver Level of Care requirements.
Applicants (not the Applicant’s family) must be determined financially eligible through the DHS Family Support Services Division with a countable monthly income limit of $1869.00, and a resource limit of $2000. This figure is subject to change.
Only the applicant’s income and resources are counted for waiver services.

AT SERVICES PROVIDED/COVERED
Assessments & Evaluations
Maintenance & Repairs
Case Management
Training for Consumer & Family
Advocacy/Other
Information & Referral
Fabrication of Devices
Supporting Software

AT DEVICES PROVIDED/COVERED
Adapted Toys & Games
Hospital Beds
Aids for Daily Living
Medical Supplies
Aids for Hearing Impaired
Prosthetics & Orthotics
Aids for Vision Impaired
Recreation & Leisure Devices
Augmentative Communication
Seating & Positioning Equipment
Computer Applications
Vehicle Modifications
Educational Devices & Adaptations
Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids
Environmental Controls
Worksite & Office Modifications
Home Modifications

APPLICATION PROCESS
Contact the DDSD office located nearest you. (See “Contacts.”) They will guide you through official application forms.
Application process includes:
completion of DDS-1 form,
arrangement for interviews and testing by professionals,
development of a complete plan of care and summary of services by the applicant’s team, which includes the applicant, service providers, case manager and other interested persons.
Applicants will be notified of approval or denial in writing by DHS.

APPEALS PROCESS
An individual may request assistance from a DHS/DDSD employee in obtaining forms, writing, or filing an appeal.
An appeal of a decision a client wishes to protest must be filed within 30 days’ notice of the decision. The appeal is processed by completion of Appendix G 2 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 340 Chapter 2., “Request For A Fair Hearing.”
A hearing, if requested, will be conducted by an Administrative Hearing Officer who is a member of the Appeals Unit and who has not had a part in the protested decision. Individuals may have an authorized representative appear with them at the hearing and have the right to present testimony and evidence regarding their situation. The appeals committee will determine whether the Department acted correctly in taking the adverse action.
After the decision has been reached, a letter specifying the reason for the decision and identifying the supporting evidence will be sent to the individual. The Appeals Unit has the responsibility of assuring the decision is carried out.

PIECES OF THE PUZZLE
Currently there is a waiting list to receive IHSW.
There are two In-Home Support Waivers, one for children and one for adults. Children 3-17 year of age who are eligible may receive up to $12,820 (as of December 2006) of services per year, while eligible adults 18 years of age and older may receive up to $19,225 of services per year. All services are provided through agencies which contract with DDSD.
A DDSD case manager will assist with the development of a “plan of care,” which must be approved prior to all service delivery.
DDSD Area Offices operate an AT recycling program. Contact the area office closest to you for more information.