Gov. Lujan Grisham instructs DOH and HSD to develop a Medicaid home and community supports waiver program for people with disabilities currently waiting for assistance on the Developmental Disabilities Waiver
SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham instructed the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and the Human Services Department (HSD) to develop a Medicaid supports waiver program to aid people with developmental disabilities in our state who are currently waiting for services.
“New Mexico must find creative ways to support people with special needs in our state and help the families who care for them,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Establishing a Medicaid home and community-based waiver is intended to provide support for those currently on the wait list. I am committed to working with families, tribal leaders, stakeholders and community leaders in finding services for the most vulnerable population in our state.”
New Mexico currently has three waivers serving people with special needs in our state:
- The Developmental Disabilities Waiver.
- The Mi Via Waiver.
- The Medically Fragile Waiver.
New Mexico will join more than 20 other states that operate a Supports Waiver. The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division at DOH and the Medicaid Assistance Division at HSD will work together and develop a Medicaid home and community-based services Supports Waiver. The work will include:
- Researching how other states administer their Supports Waivers and incorporating best practices.
- Looking at program elements such as populations served.
- Funding allotments for service plans.
- Surveying home and community-based services for people on the wait list.
The average wait time for Waiver services in New Mexico is approximately 13.5 years and there are approximately 5,000 people waiting. Adding a Supports Waiver will help those New Mexicans currently on the wait list for services. Approximately 53 percent of those waiting are under the age of 21.
“Developing a Supports Waiver, in addition to our other waivers will create a new array of services accessible to individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Kathyleen M. Kunkel, DOH cabinet secretary. “This will help us provide aid to those on the wait list as soon as possible.”
“As a physician, I’m proud to work with our governor and DOH in expanding services to people with disabilities and help them receive the additional support they need,” said David R. Scrase, M.D., HSD cabinet secretary.