The Home and Community-Based Services waiver program for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (HCBS/TBI) provides the services needed after injury to insure that individuals can stay in their homes and be as independent as possible in a safe, healthy environment.

The HCBS/TBI program serves individuals 16 to 65 years of age who meet the criteria for TBI rehabilitation hospital placement. The services available to these individuals are:

• Personal services : Assistance in completing tasks of daily living which individuals would do themselves if they did not have a disability. These could include dressing, shopping, cooking, bathing, and other everyday tasks.

• Assistive services : Medical equipment, home modifications and assistive technology which helps the individual to remain in his or her home and increase their quality of life and level of independence.

• Transitional living services : Services that help the individual to learn the skills necessary to be independent. Training in daily living skills such as cooking, bathing, grooming, social skills, and managing medical needs. This is a mandated service, with a minimum of five hours per week.

• Rehabilitation therapies : Services designed to rehabilitate or restore the individual to an optimal level of physical and mental functioning. Included are behavioral, cognitive, drug and alcohol, physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL QUALIFY FOR THE HCBS/TBI PROGRAM?

In order to qualify for the HCBS/TBI program, you must meet the following eligibility guidelines:

1. Be 16 to 65 years of age;
2. Meet the criteria for TBI rehabilitation hospital placement (determined by screening);
3. Meet the financial guidelines to qualify for Medicaid.
4. Contact your local Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) office, a TBI waiver provider (PDF) to determine if you qualify for HCBS/TBI services.