Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, providers and other interested stakeholders are invited to provide public comments on the proposed renewal of the Medicaid autism spectrum disorder waiver.
The waiver provides services to eligible children and supports parents in their efforts to maximize their child’s development, while also preventing out-of-home placements.
North Dakota Health and Human. Services is seeking federal approval to renew the waiver to reflect recent state legislative changes. Comments will be accepted through July 30, at 5 p.m. Central Time.
The waiver is being changed to add 195 slots and to increase the qualifying age of children who can be served from age 15 through age 17. The waiver is also being amended to add tutoring services, funds to help eligible children participate in events that build life skills like swimming lessons, camps or social groups and AngelSense tracking services to support safety.
Other amendments include an enhanced reimbursement rate to provide case management in rural areas and provider rate increases. The North Dakota legislature granted providers a 3% rate increase in 2023 and a 3% increase in 2024.
The draft waiver amendment is online at hhs.nd.gov/waivers. Copies will also be provided upon request.
Individuals can submit comments by emailing dhsautism@nd.gov, calling (800) 755-2604, (701) 328-4630, 711 (TTY) or faxing (701) 328-1544. Comments can also be mailed to North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Medical Services Division, Attn: Autism Services, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, N.D., 58505-0250.
After the public comment period ends, the waiver will be submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Based on the CMS timeframes for review and approval, the waiver is expected to be effective in November 2023.