HSCSN

[Anonymous]

We have had some dark days recently, but just got approved for HSCSN. Respite! Home help! Right? I'm hoping things are looking up. What things have you gotten from them that are good, or not so good? Anyone have any advice, anyone BTDT?

It's for mental health issues, if it makes a difference.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations! You must have been through a lot.

I have wondered about this. What was the process like? What condition are you dealing with?

[Anonymous]

I am not a parent for a SN kid, but a professional in the field who works with HSCSN and MANY families who have it.

Your respite provider will be totally dependent on the individual that is assigned. Respite will be provided through a contracted agency (HSC Home Health, Linac, etc.) - though most likely HSC Homecare. You can ask to meet the service provider ahead of time. If you like that person, work with them - even if they leave their agency for another, you can request a change in agency to keep the same person. You get 168/hrs every 6 months. Use them.

You may also qualify for a behavioral aide in the home - usually 4 hrs/day or so to help modify behaviors. Your pediatrician will have to complete the behavioral aide request form.

You will be assigned a Care Manager. Some are better and more knowledgeable than others. You can always ask to be reassigned if you aren't pleased.

I don't know your chilld's dx, but ABA is covered. Your pediatrician would need to fill out the request for ABA evaluation.

Neuropsych testing is covered. There is a form to request that as well.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thank you! How does one apply for this program? What are the requirements? This is the District.

[Anonymous]

This is PP who is a professional

Most of the time, qualifying for SSI is the trigger for HSCSN, but for families over income, you can get HSCSN through the Katie Beckett waiver.

https://downinthedistrict.wordpress.com/the-katie-beckett-waiver/

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks so much for the input. So many dx - ptsd, adhd and psychotic disorder not otherwise specified are the main ones.

A behavioral aide in the home would be a GOD SEND. Oh my god. Wow. That lifts my heart today, I have to tell you. 4 hours ?? Wow. Even if that were once a week.

AND RESPITE?! Amazing. Here's hoping they can really deal w/ my kid. (who is awesome, notwithstanding dxes, but doesn't deal w/ change well)

[Anonymous]

I used to live in the District and has HSCSN. They took care of every single medical bill or copayment. I was so thankful to have it. They also provide transportation to medical appointments if you need it.

The one thing I didn't like we're most of the respite care workers I was assigned. I may have been getting the least qualified though because my child did not require an RN. Still, I could at least go to doctor's appointments alone and other things to take of myself.

[Anonymous]

I have heard from friends who use the respite care option that it's important to be consistent about what hours you request respite, b/c then it's easier to get the same person every week. If you change your hours around a lot then the care worker doesn't get consistent hours and will take other jobs or get assigned to other jobs.

[Anonymous]

What diagnoses qualify for Katie Becket waiver? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

PP Professional here - it is designed to keep kids in a home setting via needing long term institutional care. Most of the kids I know who got it are technology dependent - trachs, vents, etc. But there are kids with autism, downs syndrome, etc on it as well.

[Anonymous]

Also covered is diapers for children over 3y. If your child is incontinent during the day and/or night, have your pediatrician write an order for diapers/pull ups. You will also receive complementary wipes from HSCSN as long as your care manager puts it in.

[Anonymous]

Eligibility for Katie Beckett Waiver:

To be eligible for DC Medicaid under TEFRA/Katie Beckett, the child must:
*Be eighteen (18) years old or younger;
*Have income at or below 300% of SSI. For 2014, monthly income cannot exceed $2,164.34. Under TEFRA/Katie Beckett, only the child’s income is counted.
*Resources at or below $4,000
*Be a resident of the District of Columbia;
*Be a US citizen or have eligible immigration status;
*Have a disability that is terminal or expected to last for more than (twelve) 12 months (or otherwise meet the definition of disabled under the Social Security Act);
*Require a level of care (LOC) that is typically provided in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility (including intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities);
*Be able to safely live at home; and
*Not be eligible for Medicaid under a different eligibility category.

Source: http://dhcf.dc.gov/service/tax-equity-and-fiscal-responsibility-act-tefrakatie-beckett