Description: The health care authority (HCA) and the department of social and health services (DSHS) intend to submit an amendment to the residential support waiver (RSW) WA.1086 to amend the RSW services of expanded community services, adult family home specialized behavior support services, community stability supports, and enhanced residential services to include the clarification that when a medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) participant is eligible for a service provided under the medicaid state plan, they must receive the service through the medicaid state plan program, not through a 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver.

Please note this is not a new requirement. Services under the waiver are limited to services not otherwise covered under the state plan, or to participants who do not meet eligibility for the state plan service. The purpose of the 1915(c) waiver is to provide additional services beyond what is available in the state plan to help an individual avoid institutionalization. Services under this waiver are intended to supplement, and not replace, services through the state plan, including through 1915(i). Clients must meet medicaid LTSS functional and financial eligibility to be eligible to receive 1915(c) waiver services.

HCA and DSHS also intend to clarify that under the waiver, recreational opportunities are offered by residential providers and may be identified in behavioral support plans.

The aging and long-term support administration would appreciate any input or concerns regarding the waiver amendment. To request a copy of the waiver amendment application or submit comments regarding renewal of the waiver, please contact the person named below (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

Contact Anne Moua, Medicaid Unit Manager, 4450 10th Avenue S.E. Lacey, WA 98503, phone 509-590-3909, TTY 711, email anne.moua@dshs.wa.gov.