Program aids those on Developmental Disabilities Waitlist

SANTA FE– The New Mexico Department of Health is mailing applications to about 1,500 residents to provide immediate support for individuals on the waitlist for developmental disabilities support that can help pay for items like eyeglasses, hearing aids or adaptive equipment.  

Additionally, in collaboration with the Human Services Department, the Department of Health is contacting all individuals on the waitlist to discuss additional resources and services.  This includes contacting children (their families) and adults to make sure all individuals in need of services are maximizing their Medicaid benefits. Children on the waitlist, under the age of 21, who are Medicaid eligible, can access services through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) program. Adults on the waitlist, who are Medicaid eligible, can access services through the New Mexico Community Benefit program. 

The Family Supports and Reimbursement Program was created to assist residents on a waiting list for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver. The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities or related conditions. The Medicaid-funded program currently serves about 5,000 developmentally disabled New Mexicans. Another 5,000 are on a waiting list, some for more than a decade. 

“The goal over the next six years is to overhaul the DD Waiver program to better provide services and eliminate the waitlist entirely,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel. “We share Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s commitment to provide the needed services for New Mexicans with developmental disabilities and their families.”

The mailing, which also includes program information, is going to about 1,500 residents on the waitlist who may be eligible under the following requirements: 

• The applicant must be a New Mexico resident.
• The applicant must be registered with the New Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Supports Division’s Central Registry and placed on the Waiting List.
• The individual must meet New Mexico’s state definition for developmental disability as stated in New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 8.290.400.
• The applicant is not eligible for any Medicaid State Plan benefit(s).
• The applicant is or has not received any State General Fund services during the current Fiscal year.

For more information about the Family Supports and Reimbursement Program, visit the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division webpage at https://nmhealth.org/about/ddsd/.