What is NOW/COMP Waiver and when do I apply?

The NOW/COMP Medicaid Waiver provides services to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in accessing the community and living independently. Georgia has several Medicaid Waiver programs based on the presented needs, including the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP), Community Care Services Program (CCSP), Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP), and the Disabled and Elderly Waiver. The New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Waiver (COMP) are managed by DBHDD, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Individuals should apply for the NOW/COMP waiver at the same time that they apply for Family Support Services (no earlier than age 3). While services are geared more towards adults, Family Support Services may be prioritized based on whether the individual is on the planning list, so better to apply as soon as possible. The application itself is fairly straightforward, but there is an accompanying list of documents that should be submitted, the most significant of which is the psychological evaluation. Depending on age and other factors, individuals may not have all of the requested documentation (like Social Security award and guardianship), but the application must include proof of identity and citizenship. 

Applications can be found at Apply for DD Services | Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. 

The NOW/COMP Medicaid Waiver provides services, while the (Katie Beckett) Deeming Waiver provides children under the age of 18 with access to Medicaid in situations in which the parental income exceeds SSI eligibility requirements. The Deeming Waiver’s access to Medicaid is critically important for individuals who are frequently hospitalized or who require significant levels of therapy.