Special Needs Parenting :: IMPORTANT SURVEY regarding Waiver Programs and the Long Interest Lists!
In September 2022, The Handley Family proposed a bill that would later become known as “The Handley Bill” (HB4716). In April 2023, The Handley family testified in front of the Texas House Public Education Committee.
This bill would require school districts to refer students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to their Local IDD Authority (LIDDA) for services and public benefits, including home and community based services (HCBS) waiver programs upon public school diagnosis.
The bill passed the Texas House; however, due to lack of time in the session, it was not heard in the Senate. The Texas Legislature will meet again in January 2025.
The Handley family have been working with The Arc of Texas on this issue because it affected us personally and because we meet many families who are unaware of these programs. As of 2024, our daughter has been on the Interest Lists for 16 years. It's estimated that approximately 170,000 Texans are currently on Interest Lists
What are HCBS Waivers? (source: The Arc of Texas)
Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) provide opportunities for people to receive cost-effective, long-term services and supports in their own home, rather than in an institutional setting, allowing them to live and work in their community.
HCBS waiver services can include, but are not limited to:
- Personal assistance services
- In-home or out-of-home respite care
- Home nursing services
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Assisted living
- Employment supports
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Occupational, physical, and speech therapies
List of Texas 1915 Waiver Programs (source: Medicaid.gov):
Along with The Arc of Texas, we have created a survey to share YOUR experiences with our Texas Legislators. Our goal is to make sure families are notified about Texas Waiver Programs and the services and supports available to Special Needs families at the time of a child's diagnosis and for more Waiver slots to open up so families can get the help they need.
Filling out this survey will let your Legislators know how important this issue is. Scan the QR code or visit this link: Survey Link: https://qrco.de/handleysurvey