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A. The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is a New York State government agency responsible for coordinating services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The agency's primary goal is to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to live as independently as possible and participate fully in their communities. OPWDD provides support and services to people with developmental disabilities and their families, aiming to enhance their quality of life and promote their inclusion in society.

A. The 1915(c) waiver is a specific type of Medicaid waiver program offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that allows states to provide home and community-based services (HCBS) to individuals who would otherwise require care in an institutional setting, such as nursing homes or hospitals. The "1915(c)" refers to the section of the Social Security Act that authorizes these waivers.

A. Children’s HCBS:

• Are provided where children/youth and families are the most comfortable — at home or in the community
• Support children and youth as they work toward goals and achievements
• Help children and youth be successful at home, in school, and other environments
• Offer personal, flexible services to meet the health, mental health, substance use treatment, and/or developmental needs of each child/youth

A. Children’s HCBS is for children and youth who:

• Need extra care at home/in the community
• Want to avoid going to the hospital or a long-term facility
• Are found eligible for HCBS*
• Are you enrolled or eligible to enroll in Medicaid
• Note: Some children may be eligible for Medicaid if they are eligible for HCBS

A. Children/youth and their families/caregivers can speak with a Health Home care manager**or call the Children and Youth Evaluation Service at 833-333-2937 to find out how a child/youth can get Children’s HCBS.

A. A Health Home is not a place; it is a person who can help you find services that are right for you and your family. Health Home Care Managers work together as a team with children/youth and their families and service providers to make sure they receive the care and services they need to stay healthy.

All Children eligible for HCBS can get care management services through the Health Home care management program. Children/youth not enrolled in a Health Home care management program can call (518) 473-5569 or send an email to hhsc@health.ny.gov to get more information and/or enroll.

*Enrollment in HCBS requires participation in the Children’s 1915c waiver.

To find out more about Children’s Home and Community-Based Services, contact your healthcare provider, Health Home care manager, Medicaid Managed, Care Plan, County SPOA, or the Children and Youth Evaluation Service.