Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) waivers

DDCS waivers are categorically needy (CN) waiver programs that provide clients described in WAC 182-515-1510 through WAC 182-515-1514 with alternatives to placement in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR). These alternatives include remaining in their home or placement in an alternate living facility (ALF) approved by the DDCS. The goal of these programs is to provide a safe level of care with maximum independence.

In addition to the income allocations described in WAC 182-515-1514 the case manager (CM) can request an exception to rule to reduce the client's participation in the cost of care when the client requires the services of a guardian.

If the client lives in an alternate living facility (ALF), the DDCS case manager determines the amount the client: Keeps for personal needs. Pays for room and board.

The department determines financial eligibility for these services according to WAC 182-513-1315 . A client must have nonexcluded income at or below the special income level (SIL) , but can reduce excess resources in the initial or review months as described in WAC 182-513-1350 .

Guardianship fees can be deducted in the post eligibility (participation determination) process if approved by court order for DDCS waivers in an ALF. See Guardianships - deductions to participation, room and board for clarifying information and a training module regarding guardianships. Since in home DDCS waiver clients keep the Medicaid SIL as a PNA , there is no guardianship deduction available.

DDCS waiver clients at home do not pay toward personal care costs as they keep up to the Medicaid SIL . (300% of the FBR). DDCS waiver clients can pay up to the ALTSA room and board standard if living in an alternative living facility (ALF) such as a DDCS group home or adult family home.

Clients who are eligible to receive Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) can receive DDCS waiver services if approved by DDCS. HWD/S08 is the priority program in ACES if the client is better off with HWD/S08 over the L22 program. See HWD for more instructions on HWD for DDCS waiver clients. HWD clients on a DDCS waiver pay a premium and have no participation toward personal care. These clients do pay the ALTSA room and board rate if living in a DDCS group home or adult family home (these are also called alternate living facilities (ALF)) See Working clients and long-term care programs (Waiver, Residing in a medical institution, or MPC).