Getting Medicaid Approval Can Be Hard – This Hack Can Help New York Residents

It's more than a little ironic that caretakers seeking help for special needs family members are the ones burdened with the overwhelming, confusing applications, too.

Caregivers are notorious for pouring from an empty cup. Roughly 44 million Americans take care of adults with developmental disabilities and elderly individuals each year, with more than a third providing intense levels of care while suffering from health problems themselves. These individuals simply shouldn't be the ones forced to face the Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and its paperwork.

Reclaiming Your Time

The OPWDD serves residents with diagnoses like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disorders that affect brain function and development. Medicaid-approved residents can qualify for opportunities like day programs, which provide instruction in life skills and socialization. OPWDD also offers housing and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities, with multiple options to accommodate different levels of support. Families of those who still live at home may qualify for counseling, respite care, and educational resources.

These services probably sound great. Life-changing, even. But who has time to stop everything and apply?

You may not. That’s why experienced social work professionals who specialize in addressing these complex systems, such as Home Care Advisory Group, are invaluable allies for families seeking to secure the support they need.

Time For a Change

Expert case workers can assist with everything from eligibility to collecting and submitting documents. They can complete Medicaid eligibility checks and help you uncover any outstanding steps you must complete in order to qualify. These experts will also identify needed documentation and then submit both the application and accompanying paperwork on your behalf.

Afterwards, social work professionals will keep their eyes on the application while you keep your eyes on your loved one. Case workers will follow up, monitor, and keep you apprised of progress. Applications typically take a month to five weeks to process.

Once you're approved, these experts can help you identify the services that will best meet your needs, including independent living, housing assistance, employment support, family support services, and assistive technology.

No Time Like Today

With potential Medicaid cuts in the news, it's important to move quickly. To learn more or request an application starter packet, contact Home Care Advisory Group.