Waiver Services:

The State of Texas has multiple ways that it funds services that are delivered within the community (as opposed to when a person lives in an ICF/MR). These funds generally purchase services referred to as "Waiver Services". A person becomes eligible to receive "Waiver Services" through an application process with their local MRA (Mental Retardation Administration). Depending on where you live, AHS may be able to provide several types of Waiver Services, including:

Home and Community Services (HCS):

These are funded by the Federal Medicaid program and are provided locally in your community. You can choose from a variety of services and supports depending on what you want and need. The services available include:

• Case Management
• Supervised Living (supports in your home)
• Supported Family Homes (also referred to as "foster care homes")
• Respite
• Residential Supports (living with three or less people)
• Day Habilitation
• Employment Support (if you have been turned down by DARS)
• Adaptive Aides
• Nursing
• Home Modification
• Therapies
• Nutritionist
• Psychological supports

Information about the HCS program can be printed out by going to the document attached below.

CLASS (Community Living and Support Services):

This is a program funded by the federal Medicaid program that offers services to those who have a condition that qualifies them for Medicaid but is not primarily Developmental Disabilities. In the CLASS program an agency can provide one of three types of supports. Case Management, Direct Services, or consumer directed services. No agency can provide both Case Management and direct or consumer directed services. AHS provides either case management or direct services in most Texas Counties. Direct services available under this program include:

• Supervised Living (supports in your home)
• Supported Family Homes (also referred to as "foster care homes")
• Respite
• Residential Supports (living with three or less people)
• Day Habilitation
• Employment Support (if you have been turned down by DARS)
• Adaptive Aides
• Nursing
• Home Modification
• Therapies
• Nutritionist
• Psychological supports

Texas Home Living Program:

This program offers limited supports to people who live alone or in their family home. Services are available through Texas Home Living funds if you are on the waiting list for HCS or CLASS services. This Medicaid funded program offers a maximum of $10,000 a year which is then used to acquire service such as:

• Respite
• Day Habilitation
• Personal support in your home

ICF/MR Facilities:

These are facilities which are certified under Federal and State standards and provide services to individuals with intellectual and other qualifying disabilities. This is the only federally mandated service offered in Texas. ICF settings include:

• 24 hours nursing supports
• Therapy
• Nutritional and Dietary supports
• Behavior supports
• Medical and dental supports that are not funded by Medicaid
• Active Training to master new skills.

Historically, AHS has provided ICF services in Development Centers located throughout the State. However, through a partnership with the State (known as "Money Follows the Person"), we are voluntarily closing many of our Development Centers and assisting people in moving to small group home settings where they can receive the individualized supports they need and choose.  Please see the individual programs for a description of each facility and the status of their availability. All other services are funded by the State of Texas and Federal Medicaid program as alternatives to ICF/MR programs.

AHS still has four ICF programs that are not being closed under the Money Follows the Person program (San Angelo Development Center, Levelland Development Center, Sunrise Group Home and Cypress Group Home). Two of these programs, the San Angelo and Levelland Development Centers, typically have no waiting lists. If you choose a ICF/DD program it is likely you will be offered a community option within the first year.

AHS also accepts people who wish to pay for a service or support. Any service we offer can be purchased independent of any funding source.