The Comprehensive Supports Waiver (COMP) is another Medicaid waiver program in Georgia aimed at providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While the NOW (New Options Waiver) targets individuals with less intense needs, the COMP waiver is for people who have more significant disabilities and need a broader range of services to live in their communities.

Key Features of the COMP Waiver:

1. Eligibility:
   • Individuals must meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements, which generally include financial criteria, and be diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability.
   • COMP typically serves people who need more intensive support than what the NOW waiver can provide.
2. Services: The COMP waiver covers a wider array of services compared to the NOW waiver. Some of these services include:
   • Residential Services: For individuals who need help living in their own home or in a group home. This might include 24-hour assistance or support in more structured settings.
   • Day and Employment Services: This can include training and assistance for individuals to gain skills and find jobs. It can also provide support for maintaining a job.
   • Behavioral Health Services: Specialized supports to manage and address behavior challenges, including counseling, training, and therapeutic interventions.

Nursing and Medical Services: More extensive medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing care, can be included if necessary.

Respite Care: Provides temporary relief for caregivers who are caring for the individual at home.

Transportation: Some waivers may help with the cost of transportation to and from work, appointments, or other community-based activities.

Family Support: Assistance to help families and caregivers maintain their caregiving roles.

2. Personalized Care: Like the NOW waiver, the COMP waiver also allows individuals and families to personalize their care plans, but with more focus on helping those with more complex needs. The goal is to support them in living as independently as possible, whether that’s in their own home, a family home, or a group living setting.
3. Eligibility for Services: To qualify for COMP, individuals need to:
   • Meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements (income and resources criteria).
   • Have a diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability that causes substantial functional limitations.
   • Have an assessed need for the level of care typically provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). This means their needs are generally higher and more intensive than what’s addressed by the NOW waiver.

Key Differences Between the NOW and COMP Waivers:

Range of Services: COMP offers a wider array of services (such as residential support, more medical care, and behavioral health support), whereas NOW offers more basic services aimed at promoting independence.

Level of Care: COMP serves individuals with more severe disabilities or those who need more intensive support, while NOW is typically for people with less severe needs.

Cost and Funding: Because of the broader scope of services, the COMP waiver generally has higher costs associated with it.

Learn more about the Medicaid Waiver Programs in Georgia.