The issue: Georgia’s Now/Comp Medicaid waiver system

Our nation has a long history of sending people with developmental disabilities to institutions, placing preference of simplified care over the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in their communities. Medciad waivers were created to allow people with disabilities to live in their communities and have the supports they need to be successful in their daily life. This can include assistance with bathing, driving, job coaching, eating, etc. Unlike traditional Medicaid that is given to all who qualify, Medicaid waivers are only available at a level the state is willing to support. And this is how we get Medicaid waiver waitlists (known as a “planning list” in Georgia). In Georgia, we have over 6,000 people with developmental disabilities waiting to receive a Medicaid waiver, some waiting more than a decade to receive. Although Georgia is not alone in having a waiver waitlist, limited spending on Medicaid waivers in Georgia has resulted in a longer waitlist in Georgia than most states. Especially troubling is the result we see when waiver services are underfunded, which is the increased numbers of young people with disabilities who end up stuck in nursing homes. Unfortunately, we are seeing this happen at higher rates in Georgia, as Georgia is currently above the national and southeastern average regarding the number of young people with developmental disabilities living in nursing homes. Another life stunting problem with the waitlist is..the wait. How long does it take to get approved for medicaid in Georgia? Ask the 6,000 people with disabilities waiting.