Pat Traynor, Interim Director at HHS | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Pat Traynor, Interim Director at HHS | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public input on proposed changes to two Medicaid waivers aimed at expanding services for children. The state aims to align these amendments with recent legislative updates and is accepting comments until July 27, 2025.
The first waiver concerns autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It offers services to eligible children and assists parents in supporting their child's development while preventing out-of-home placements. Proposed changes include extending the age limit from 17 to 20 years and increasing available slots to 400 annually, with 345 active at any given time. Additionally, service management and respite care providers will receive a legislative increase of 2% in both 2025 and 2026.
The second waiver targets medically fragile children aged between 3 and 18 years, allowing Medicaid coverage for necessary home-based care instead of institutionalization. This waiver amendment seeks to raise the age limit to 21 years and increase available slots to 75 annually, maintaining up to 50 active participants simultaneously. Service provisions remain unchanged.
Draft waivers are accessible online at hhs.nd.gov/waivers or upon request. Public comments can be submitted via email at dhsautism@nd.gov, by phone at specified numbers, by fax at 701-328-1544, or mailed directly to North Dakota Health and Human Services Medical Services Division in Bismarck.
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