Great news!!! We received a letter from Medi-Cal on Friday informing us that Gwendolyn has been approved for services under the Department of Developmental Services Waiver Program (we've also heard it referred to as the model waivers program). This program, which does not take into account income or assets, is limited to developmentally disabled persons who live at home and meet certain criteria for an intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled. Apparently, Gwendolyn's SMA and our situation meets that criteria. It's unclear exactly what services this will open up for us, but based on what we've heard it should be significant.
For other SMA families in California I thought I'd be specific as to the process we followed to get Gwendolyn approved:
- First, and probably most importantly, the Department of Developmental Services Waiver Program does not take into account assets or income of the family when determining eligibility. So, if you've been denied in the past by Medi-Cal, like we had on several occasions, this program should help you get your SMA child approved regardless of that previous denial or your financial situation.
- Second, your SMA child must be referred to the Medi-Cal Department of Developmental Services Waiver Program through your local State of California Regional Center. Click here for a directory of Regional Centers.
- Third, be patient…be patient…be patient..be patient. Although, we were told the approval process would take up to 4 months from the Regional Center referral, but it only took us about a month and a half to get Gwendolyn approved.