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The Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) Waiver Program in Pennsylvania is a Medicaid-funded initiative that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. It provides essential services like residential care, employment assistance, community participation, and medical aid, enabling individuals to live more independently while engaging in their communities.
 

Watch Our Webinar On Upcoming Changes To The ID/A Waiver In PA

Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is implementing significant updates to the Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) Waiver program, aimed at improving service quality, accessibility, and outcomes for participants. Key changes include:

1. Performance-Based Contracting (PBC):

• Tiered System for Providers: Residential providers will be categorized into four tiers: Conditional, Primary, Select, and Clinically Enhanced. This model incentivizes quality improvement and ensures high standards of care.
• Emphasis on Outcomes: Providers will be measured on metrics like promoting independence, employing technology for better outcomes, and supporting complex medical and behavioral needs.
• Financial Equity: Payment structures will account for provider size and resources, aiming to uplift all service levels.

2. Expanded Services:

• Specialized Services: New offerings such as benefits counseling, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services, and life-sharing models are being introduced or expanded.
• Support for Medically Complex Cases: Family Medical Support Assistance will aid families in coordinating complex care.

3. Focus on Workforce Development:

• Efforts to professionalize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) through credentialing and enhanced training.
• Improved pay structures tied to provider performance and service quality.

4. Addressing Access and Waiting Lists:

• A multi-year strategy to eliminate the emergency waiting list by adding waiver capacity and refining how counties manage service allocations.
• Enhanced flexibility in how services are offered and tracked to better serve people in need.

5. Community Participation Support (CPS):

• Revised requirements for CPS providers to align with community inclusion goals, focusing on individual interests and engagement.

Learn More
These updates demonstrate the Office of Developmental Programs' commitment to equity, inclusion, and improving lives. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Achieva using the form below or call 1-888-272-7229.