If your child needs more services than Medical Assistance provides, a waiver may be another option. Waivers help children with a disability or complex medical condition live in their home rather than a hospital or facility. They can help fund services and supports that keep children healthy and safe. Possible services include respite care, assistive technology, residential care, help finding or learning a job, and transportation.

What waivers are available?

The four waivers available in Minnesota are:

• Developmental Disability Waiver (DD Waiver)
• Brain Injury Waiver (BI Waiver)
• Community Alternative Care Waiver (CAC Waiver)
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver (CADI Waiver)

How do I apply for a waiver for my child?

You don’t need to know which waiver your child needs to start the process. The steps to apply for a waiver are:

1. Get a certificate of disability for your child through Social Security or the State Medical Review Team.
2. Apply for Medical Assistance.
3. Call your county and request a MnCHOICES assessment.
4. Someone from the county will come to your home to do the assessment and then issue a report.
5. The county will let you know whether your child will receive a waiver.
6. Work with a case manager to develop a plan for the kinds of services your child will receive. This is called a Community Support Plan.

Keep in mind that just because your child needs more services, that does not always mean they will get a waiver. Your county has a limited amount of funds and gives waivers to people who need them the most.