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.

There are currently no waiting lists for these programs and the state of Texas has appropriated special funding to move people from ICF programs into waiver programs. If you need supports quickly and can’t wait for HCS or CLASS funding to become available for you this could be an option. Promoting Independence funding becomes available a year after you move into an ICF program.

We make every attempt to make these settings person-centered by giving people living here choices about your staff and living environment. Please see the individual programs for a description of each facility. All other services are funded by the State of Texas and Federal Medicaid program as alternatives to ICF/MR programs.

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.