This waiver program for individuals with serious mental illness encompasses the recovery orientation adopted by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), but also signals new directions in the community treatment of people with serious psychiatric disabilities because of its emphasis on:

• Intensive psychiatric rehabilitation provided in the participant’s home, and in other community setting;
• Attention to both psychiatric and medical needs;
• Emphasis on wellness and recovery;
• Person-Centered Planning leading to development of an individualized Recovery Plan; and
• Use of peer supports provided by people trained and certified in rehabilitative care, who know from first-hand experience about recovery from mental illness. 

The Mental Health Waiver Program, authorized in §1915(c) of the Social Security Act, allows the State to furnish an array of home and community-based services that assist Medicaid beneficiaries to live in the community and avoid institutional care. Waiver services complement and/or supplement services available to participants through the Medicaid State plan and other federal, state and local public programs as well as natural supports that families and communities provide.

The Waiver also serves individuals who are currently in nursing facilities or who are at risk for this level of care.  The Waiver is operated by the DMHAS with oversight by the Department of Social Services (DSS). 

Return to: Mental Health Waiver