Autism Waiver
What is the Autism Waiver?
This waiver was developed in response to key findings of the Autism Task Force formed by Secretary of Public Welfare B. Estelle Richman in 2003. The task force observed that there were almost no community-based services in Pennsylvania for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In response, the Autism Task Force recommended the development of targeted supports and services designed specifically for adults living with autism. Learn more about the Autism Task Force.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Autism Waiver?
In order to be eligible for the Autism Waiver, a person must be a resident of Pennsylvania or planning to be a resident at the time of enrollment and meet functional and financial eligibility criteria. Priority is given to people not already receiving ongoing state funded or state and federal funded long-term care services.
Functional eligibility: – The applicant must:
- Have a diagnosis of ASD, which includes a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS), Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder or Retts Disorder
- Be 21 or older
- Be at risk of institutionalization in an Intermediate Care Facility
- Reside in Pennsylvania
Based on Medical Assistance resource and income limits for waiver programs
Income limit is currently 300 percent of the Federal Benefit Rate
How do I know if I meet Intermediate Care Facility level of care?
In order to meet ICF level of care, the disability must:
- Result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, understanding and use of language, learning, mobility, self-direction and/or capacity for independent living.
- Be manifested before the person reaches age 22.
- Be likely to continue indefinitely.
What makes the Autism Waiver different from other developmental disabilities waivers in Pennsylvania?
The waiver is specifically designed to meet the needs of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
It will be administrated directly by the Bureau of Autism Services, not through the counties.
Intelligence (IQ) is not an eligibility factor.
Providers will be required to complete autism specific training and demonstrate competence.
Clinical and technical assistance will be available to waiver providers
Participants’ progress will be measured against goals.
What services are offered under the waiver?
In addition to Supports Coordination, services include:
- Assistive Technology
- Behavioral Specialist Services
- Community Inclusion
- Community Transition Services
- Day Habilitation
- Environmental Modifications
- Family Counseling
- Family Training
- Job Assessment and Finding
- Nutritional Consultation
- Residential Habilitation
- Respite
- Supported Employment
- Temporary Crisis Services
- Therapies
- Transitional Work Services
Receiving other services does not make you ineligible for the Adult Autism Waiver. The Autism Waiver gives priority to individuals not already receiving state funded or state and federally funded home and community based services. Examples of these are the OBRA Waiver and the Consolidated Waiver.
Priority 1: Those not already receiving state funded or state and federally funded home and community based services.
Priority 2: Those currently enrolled in state funded or state and federally funded home and community based services.
How do I request an application?
All application requests must be made through the Bureau of Autism Services’ toll free number at 1-866-539-7689* (press 1 for English then press 1 to leave a request)
Call the toll free number and leave a message with the following information:
Name of person who wishes to apply
Telephone number
Address
County of residence
If you are calling on the behalf of the person who wishes to apply also leave your name and daytime phone number
The Bureau of Autism Services will return the call to verify basic eligibility.
The potential applicant is categorized as Priority 1 or Priority 2 as defined above.
Within two weeks of the return phone call a status letter conforming the consumer’s priority will be sent to the consumer and the consumer’s representative or contact person.
*Please note: A call to the toll free number is only a request for an application and does not constitute an actual application. Applications will be mailed out separately.
When will I receive an application?
The Bureau of Autism Services plans to enroll 200 waiver participants by the summer of 2009. Application packets will first be mailed to Priority 1 individuals in order of the date and time of their initial call to the toll free number until waiver capacity is reached. If additional waiver capacity remains, packets will then be sent to Priority 2 individuals in order of the date and time of their call. Because waiver capacity is limited, the Bureau cannot guarantee that everyone will receive an application for the waiver.
Will there be a waiting list?
A waiting list in the traditional sense will not be maintained for the Adult Autism Waiver. Typically, waiting lists are comprised of individuals who have already been found eligible for the program in which they are applying. The Bureau of Autism Services will maintain only a list of individuals who have requested applications in order of the date and time of their initial call to the toll free number. Applications will not be sent and eligibility for these individuals will not be determined until waiver capacity is open to serve them.
For more information on the Adult Autism Waiver,
email DPW-AutismOffice@state.pa.us
To Apply for the Adult Autism Waiver, Call Toll-Free:
1-866-539-7689