The New Options Waiver (NOW) is a program in Georgia designed to provide services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the NOW program offers services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are eligible for Medicaid, enabling them to live more independently or receive services that would help them stay in their communities rather than being institutionalized.
The main idea behind the NOW waiver is to give individuals the flexibility to choose services based on their own needs, goals, and preferences. It allows for personalized care, which may include things like:
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): These services help people live at home or in community settings instead of institutionalized care. Services might include personal assistance, respite care, or day habilitation.
- Employment services: These help individuals gain or retain employment, which is often a big part of achieving independence.
- Behavioral supports: Addressing challenges with things like social interactions or daily living skills.
- Nursing services or therapies: These might include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other health-related supports.
The NOW waiver is administered through Georgia’s Department of Community Health (DCH) and is one of the state’s Medicaid waivers, which allow Medicaid funding to be used for non-institutional care.
Eligibility for the NOW program is typically based on meeting certain criteria like age, having a qualifying disability, and being financially eligible for Medicaid.
There is also a Comprehensive Supports Waiver (COMP) for individuals with more significant needs, but the NOW program is often a better fit for those with less intensive requirements, offering more flexibility for independence.
Check out some more acronyms and terms.
THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is one of Georgia’s four health agencies serving the state’s growing population of over 10 million people.
DCH serves as the lead agency for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®, and also oversees the State Health Benefit Plan, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division and State Office of Rural Health, impacting one in four Georgians.
Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, DCH provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.
Six enterprise offices support the work of the agency’s three program divisions. DCH employees are based in Atlanta, Cordele and across the state.