Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability and/or Autism

People with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) and/or Autism want to live as independently as they can. There are services and supports available that can help them to do so, not just in their homes, but in their communities and at work as well.

Services

Some of the services that are available through these programs, include:

  • home support,
  • community support,
  • work support,
  • career planning,
  • assistive technology,
  • durable medical equipment,
  • therapy services,
  • transportation, and
  • respite.

How are services paid for?

Services are paid for by MaineCare through what is called a Medicaid waiver program. The State of Maine has two waiver programs for people with IDD and/or Autism:

  1. Section 21 Comprehensive Waiver
  2. Section 29 Support Waiver

You can only be enrolled in one waiver at a time. To receive services, you must enroll in MaineCare and be medically eligible for services.

A person’s Case Manager can help them apply for MaineCare and for waiver services. Case Managers also help people and their families understand what services are available to them and to plan for the person’s needs. Learn more about how Case Managers can help.

How to Apply

Case Management

Who is eligible?

Adults 18 and older who are seeking voluntary case management services will be determined eligible based on psychological reports, diagnosis and other records (Word).

How do I apply for services?

In order to apply for services you will need a referral. Referrals can be made, with your permission, by children's case managers, schools, families and other agencies such as Adult Protective Services. You can also call one of our regional offices and make a referral yourself.

Please note: Section 21 and 29 Waiver Services are not required to receive Case Management Services.

Section 21 and 29 Waiver Services

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for waiver services in Maine, there are financial and medical requirements you must meet.  These requirements help individuals and families understand what services are available to them and to plan for service needs.

How do I apply for Services?

Step 1 – Apply for MaineCare benefits. If you are not already receiving Maine Care Benefits, please apply for MaineCare Services. You must complete an application. For information on how to apply to MaineCare, visit the Office for Family Independence.

Step 2 – Complete a Medical Review. To complete your medical review, please contact us at the Office of Aging and Disability Services by calling regional office near you.

Grievance Process

The grievance process is a way to make decisions when there is a disagreement about the services provided by the Office of Aging and Disability Services. Learn more about how the process works: