The members of the NC General Assembly had an unexpected $190 million to work with when they created this year’s budget modifications. We were deeply disappointed that did not create a single new Innovations Waiver slot with those funds.

The Innovations Waiver is a home and community-based Medicaid program. It provides services and supports for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, like autism, who are at risk of institutionalization. The goal of the Waiver is to promote choice, control, and community integration as an alternative to institutionalization.

There are approximately 11,000 people on the waiting list for the Waiver. People are often on the waiting list for 8 to 10 years before they can access the services they need.