What is the Kansas Autism Waiver Program?

What is the Kansas Autism Waiver Program?The Kansas Autism Waiver Program is one of seven Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers administered by KDADS. It operates under a 1115 demonstration waiver authority, targeting early intervention for children ages 0-5 with autism who meet hospital level of care criteria.

Who is eligible for the Kansas Autism Waiver Program?
Your child must:
Be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, or PDD-NOS
Be ages 0-5 years old
Be financially eligible for Medicaid (based on child's income, not parents')
Meet hospital level of care criteriaBe a Kansas resident

What does "hospital level of care" mean for the Autism Waiver?
This clinical threshold basically means your child's needs are significant enough that without home services, institutional care would be necessary. A functional assessment makes this determination. Your child doesn't need to actually be hospitalized—their support needs just have to meet that intensity level.

What's the difference between the Autism Waiver and I/DD Waiver?
The Autism Waiver serves children 0-5 with autism diagnoses and provides family-focused services. The I/DD (Intellectual/Developmental Disability) Waiver serves individuals age 5+ with intellectual or developmental disabilities and provides a broader range of services including day supports, residential supports, and personal care.
Children on the Autism Waiver can automatically transition to the I/DD waiver at age 5 if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

How is the Kansas Autism Waiver Program funded?
The program is jointly funded by federal Medicaid dollars and Kansas state funds, administered through KanCare managed care organizations. You don't pay for waiver services—they're covered through your child's Medicaid eligibility.