Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals | Bruce Greenstein, Secretary

About the Children's Choice Waiver:

The Children's Choice Waiver began February 21, 2001 to offer supplemental support to children with developmental disabilities who currently live at home with their families or with a foster family.  Waiver participants are eligible for all medically necessary Medicaid services, including Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) screenings.  This waiver package is designed for maximum flexibility. In addition to the medically necessary services waiver services funding can also be used for:

• Support Coordination (required case management)
• Family Support - services provided directly to the child
• Center-Based Respite - services provided on a short-term basis to children unable to care for themselves so that their caregivers can have some relief
• Environmental Accessibility Adaptations - physical adaptations to home or vehicle
• Family Training - training and education services provided to the participant's family by professional organization

Population Requirements:

Children's Choice participants must be between the ages of Birth through age 18. Children that age out (reach 19) of the waiver are offered an appropriate waiver for adults as long as they remain eligible for waiver services. In order to be eligible for services all participants must meet the definition of as outlined in the Louisiana Law, R.S. 28:451.1-455.2 for a developmental disability.

How to Apply:

Please contact your local community services office to apply for services. They will assist you through the determination process.  

For Providers:

Please click HERE to access all documents and forms for the Children's Choice Waiver. The Medicaid Manual with all updated chapters can be found HERE.

Additional Information:

Children's Choice Frequently Asked Questions

2012 Children's Choice Fact Sheet