DODD Frequently Asked Questions
Martin v. Strickland Survey
What is a HCBS Waiver?
An explanation of the waivers is contained on the handout, The Individual Options Waiver at a Glance. This handout also contains an explanation of each of the 14 services that are available through the Individual Options (IO) waiver. An electronic copy of the handout is available on the Department of Developmental Disabilities’ (DODD) homepage in the center section under Martin v Taft. This site may be accessed at dodd.ohio.gov.
What are the differences between the services I can receive on the IO Waiver and those that are available in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR)?
A comparison of the services that are available on the IO Waiver, in an ICF/MR and through the Medicaid State Plan is contained in the handout, The Individual Options Waiver at a Glance.
What are the benefits and weaknesses of IO Waiver services for me?
Only you can determine if the IO Waiver services are right for you. The biggest differences between IO Waiver services and services that you receive in an ICF/MR are:
- With an IO Waiver, you have the freedom to choose the provider of each and every one of your waiver services. In an ICF/MR, the provider of all of your services is selected by the person or corporation operating the ICF/MR.
- The ICF/MR provides all of your services, including room, board and personal need items. The IO Waiver provides services only. You are required to use personal funds, such as SSI and food stamps, to pay your rent and purchase food and personal items.
- Your IO Waiver belongs to you as long as you are Medicaid eligible, have an ICF/MR Level of Care and live in Ohio. You can move to a different home or a different county and still receive IO Waiver services. You can remain in an ICF/MR as long as the provider determines that he/she can meet your needs. When you move from one ICF/MR and want to live in another ICF/MR, you must apply to the new ICF/MR and wait for a ‘vacancy’ to occur before you can live there.
Why is this survey necessary?
The Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and DODD agreed to conduct the survey as part of the settlement of the Martin v Taft lawsuit. The responses will be used to help determine the numbers of individuals currently receiving ICF/MR services who either wish to stay in their ICF/MR or receive IO waiver services instead, if they are available.
What happens if I do not submit any response to the survey?
We really encourage you to answer the survey so that we have accurate information to use when planning the types of services individuals with developmental disabilities, their guardians and family members need and want in the future.
If you fail to submit a response, ODJFS and DODD will note that you did not respond to the survey.
If I choose to enroll on an IO Waiver when would I begin to receive waiver services instead of ICF/MR services?
The Martin v Taft settlement proposes to provide funding for 200 individuals now living in ICFs/MR who choose to receive IO Waiver services instead. Enrollment of these individuals on the waiver is to occur before June 30, 2009. However, the funding for waiver services for these 200 individuals is still subject to the approval of the Ohio legislature and Governor Strickland.
If funding becomes available, enrollment of individuals on the IO waiver is anticipated to occur as soon as the needed service planning and waiver enrollment processes have been completed for the individuals selected.
Can I choose IO Waiver services and remain in my current home with my current roommates?
It is the policy of DODD that you may remain in your current home and receive IO Waiver services as long as you do not live with more than three other individuals with developmental disabilities. If you are living in an ICF/MR now, you would also need to be sure that your service provider wants to give up ICF/MR certification for the home and that the other three or fewer individuals who are living in the home want to receive IO Waiver funded services instead of ICF/MR services.
How soon must I submit the response to the survey?
We need to receive your response by April 30, 2007. Remember, when sending your response, we will always need your name or that of your guardian, your current address and Medicaid number.
If I choose IO Waiver services, can I continue to receive day habilitation services, and can they be through my current day habilitation provider?
Four types of day services are available for adults who are enrolled on the IO Waiver. They are Supported Employment – Community, Supported Employment – Enclave, Adult Day Services and Vocational Habilitation. These services can be provided by any provider who has been certified by DODD. If your current day habilitation provider is certified to provide the adult day service that you need and want and is willing to provide that service to you, you may continue to receive services from that provider.
How can you protect the privacy of my response?
Respondents will need to include their names, addresses and the Medicaid number of the individual in order to be of use to the departments in their planning efforts.
How do I submit the survey response?
You can send a paper copy of your response in the self-addressed stamped that are available through your ICF/MR provider or you can submit your response using the electronic survey format that is located on the DODD homepage in the center section labeled Martin v Taft. You can access this site at www.mrdd.ohio.gov. Also, you can phone our toll free number 1-877 464-6733 with your response.
Remember, when sending your response, we will always need your name or that of your guardian, your current address and Medicaid number.
Why is the guardian required to submit the survey responses for those individuals found incompetent? Can family non-guardians complete a survey for their family member?
Based on Ohio law, survey responses will be considered to be valid for individuals with court-appointed guardians of the person only when the guardians have completed and signed the survey forms or, if phoning in the responses, provide the identifying information required. Family members who are not court appointed guardians may assist individuals to complete the survey, but may not respond on their behalf. Family members of individuals with court appointed guardians may be asked their opinion s by the guardians, but only guardians’ responses will be considered as the official responses to the survey.
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