Initiative Description
In 2022, ND Assistive provided input during several meetings with the ND Department of Health and Human Services, Aging Services Department to make changes to the waiver in the area of assistive technology. ND Assistive captured these suggestions in a comment letter when the Waiver came up for renewal in the Fall of 2021. As a result, these changes to the HCBS Medicaid Waiver for the Aged and Disabled became effective on April 1, 2022.
Lessons Learned/Replication
These changes included: The RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) to the list of professionals that can supply a written recommendation for Environmental Modification and Specialized Equipment. The installation costs were added to the coverage of Specialized Equipment. The threshold of spending on Specialized Equipment without prior approval increased from $250 to $500. The qualifications for a qualified services provider (QSP) for environment modification and specialized equipment have been modified to allow a handyman/contractor/tradesman in good standing and provide a professional reference relevant to their ability to complete the necessary work as a qualification to enroll as a QSP for environmental modification and specialized equipment.