How can the AAW (Adult Autism Waiver) benefit you if you have a loved one diagnosed with autism?
The AAW allows for adults with Autism to receive care services while integrated into their homes or living communities. The waiver is a special arrangement for the people in Pennsylvania, which rules that the Medicaid funding intended for institutional care be allotted for the support and services needed by individuals with autism.
One of the advantages of the AAW is that the eligible beneficiary can get to live and be independent in their own community, which proximity boosts their mental health. The waiver enables the beneficiary to receive care assistance and support either from someone they prefer or from Home Healthcare Agencies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
How do you know if your loved one is eligible? The requirements include the following:
- The person must be at least 21 years old.
- The person is diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder).
- The person is deemed limited in at least three of the functional life activities, which include the following:
- Providing care for oneself
- Ability to understand or use language to communicate
- Ability to learn
- Ability to move at will
- Ability to direct their own actions or decisions
- Ability to be independent in doing activities
- The person meets the guidelines for their level of care.
- The person meets the income limits to qualify them to receive medical assistance.
While the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provides different waiver options, the AAW basically covers the specific needs of those with autism. For instance, when a person with ASD also requires Disability Care in Pennsylvania, the AAW can be used to cover for the support and services related to this need. However, when the person doesn’t have autism, they will need to use another waiver for their specific case.
At Diversified Supportive Services, we help you provide quality support to your loved one with ASD. We accept AAW so that your loved one with autism can qualify for our Mental Health Care assistance and other forms of support.