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Adoption Assistance by State
9. Does your State provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under your State medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance?
Alabama offers financial assistance for orthodontia services that have been documented as medically necessary at the time of adoptive placement and is in progress or set to begin within ninety (90) days of adoptive placement. Financial assistance is available for children receiving out-patient counseling services at the time of placement from a therapist who does not accept Medicaid to prevent the interruption of the therapeutic intervention. All financial assistance is subject to the availability of state funds. All financial assistance is subject to the availability of state funds.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Alaska OCS makes all efforts to grant requests for additional services on a case-by-case basis when the need of the child or the circumstances of the family is well documented. Parents are directed to contact the OCS adoption program at 907.465.3204 for more information.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Arizona provides additional adoption assistance though a Special Services Subsidy. Special Services Subsidy benefits may provide for extraordinary, infrequent or uncommon needs related to the preexisting special needs conditions noted in the original adoption assistance agreement which cannot be met by Medicaid coverage or other public or private resources.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Arkansas offers a program known as a Special Subsidy. Funding is available to pay for services related to the special needs for which adoption assistance was granted. Funding is only available when no other resource or benefit, private or public, exists to meet the needs of the child. Services include the following examples: psychological services (testing, family/individual therapy), therapy (physical/speech), medical and surgical services, medications, and corrective physical devices.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
California does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance. California offers no subsidies or assistance over and above monthly maintenance payments, Medicaid, and reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses.
Colorado offers what is known as a Medical Subsidy, a provision under Adoption Case Services. Funding is available to reimburse adoptive parents or to pay a medical provider for physical or psychological services. The need for such services must be identified in the initial adoption assistance agreement and the services received under the Medical Subsidy must relate to the special need for which adoption assistance was originally granted. Funding may be used to supplement private medical insurance and to cover services not offered under the state medical assistance plan. All other resources available to the adoptive family must be utilized before funding is available.
Colorado also offers Case Services Subsidy for Non-Medical Cases. When the identified special needs of a child placed for adoption are not covered by the adoption assistance payment, the above Medical Subsidy program, or Medicaid, services can be provided through a Case Services Subsidy for non-medical cases. The need for such services must be identified in the initial adoption assistance agreement and the services received under the program must relate to the special need for which adoption assistance was originally granted. Services and items include the following examples: respite, medication, customized equipment, speech and physical therapy, and certain psychological services.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Adoptive parents can request additional payments for medically necessary services or items that were not part of the adoption assistance agreement. The only way to receive an adoption assistance increase is through a diagnosis of “medically complex” as all adoption assistance monetary payments are made at the maximum amount permitted at the of the child’s adoption finalization. If a child’s condition becomes what is referred to as “medically complex”, parents can request to increase to the rate available for children with this diagnosis. Payments can be on a one-time basis for a specific purpose or an on-going payment, depending on the nature of the need and request. Examples of need are van modifications for a handicapped child and specialized therapy not covered by Medicaid and therapeutic respite.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Delaware does not provide additional finances or services for medical needs. Families should contact their family insurance provider or Medicaid for additional services as needed.
Delaware offers an assistance known as a Psychological Subsidy. The program provides financial assistance for treatment of an identified psychological problem, either existing or potential. Assistance is limited to $3,000 per year for expenses not covered by the family medical insurance plan or by Medicaid.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Washington, DC offers what is known as Special Service Payments. Funding can be approved to meet verified, exceptional expenses when no other resources are available or adequate. These determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and are determined by the specific needs of the child and documentation that the service is available through no other means and the financial circumstances of the adoptive parents.)
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact the adoption assistance workers listed below for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Adoption assistance workers:
- Patricia Johnson 202.727.5452
- Trantina Waugh 202.727.4956
- Theodore Reynolds 202.727.4920
Florida offers a program known as Medical Subsidy that can be requested at any time. The subsidy can be received for the length of time that the condition for which subsidy was sought exists, or until the child turns eighteen years of age, whichever occurs first. The need for medical subsidy must be supported by documentation of that need from appropriate professionals and established and authorized prior to the adoptive placemen. The need or potential need for the Medical Subsidy program must also be documented in the adoption assistance agreement. Medical and medically related service costs may be subsidized under this program for conditions which pre-existed the adoption and can not include costs that can be covered by the family's private insurance or other available medical coverage.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Until July 1, 2010 Georgia offered Special Services Adoption Assistance, which provided a time-limited or one-time special service when no other family or community resource is available. Families who have existing Special Services agreements in place will continue to receive those supports until they expire, but the state is not entering into new Special Services agreements after July 1, 2010.
Contact your adoption assistance worker for more information on post adoption services outlined above in question number 7.
Hawaii does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance. No specific program is available to meet a child’s extraordinary needs that are not covered by the adoption assistance payments or medical plan or other eligible services provided by the Department of Health. However, social services programs are available through what is referred to as Title XX (Social Security Act reference) to children receiving adoption assistance who meet the program’s eligibility criteria and have these program needs listed in their adoption assistance agreement. Adoptive parents are directed to contact their adoption assistance or adoption program social worker to apply for these services.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Idaho does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under the state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance. Medical or therapeutic needs not covered under the state medical plan must be negotiated as part of the Adoption Assistance Agreement, or as an Amendment to the Agreement. Benefits must receive prior authorization from the State Adoption Assistance office before service delivery.
DHW local offices, link: http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/ContactUs/tabid/127/Default.aspx.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Additional medical services are provided if they are identified in the child's individual subsidy agreement. However, amendments may be made to the original agreement to add services that relate to a pre-existing condition. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services assumes responsibility for any medical services related to a child's pre-existing condition(s) when such services are not covered by another funding source (i.e., family's insurance, or other public resources).
Illinois provides the additional adoption assistance payments through a program known as Needs Not Payable Through Other Sources. Funds are available for physical, emotional and mental health needs not payable through insurance or public resources that are associated with or result from a condition whose onset has been established as occurring prior to the entry of the final order of adoption. Payment for these services requires prior approval. Illinois offers these Health Care Payments in addition to the state medical card. Illinois also offers Other Special Services. Services include counseling services for the child and the adoptive family following adoption finalization, regular day care for any child up to age three if the parent is working or in school, and therapeutic daycare.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Indiana offers what is known as Adoption Clearance Trust Funds. Depending on availability, county funds can be used to supplement adoption assistance benefits up to 100 percent of the daily rate (per diem) received.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Please note: Due to new legislation 'County Adoption Subsidy' policies will change on January 1, 2009. This page will be updated once specific information is available.
Iowa provides additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under the State's medical plan. Reimbursement is available to adoptive families for children receiving adoption assistance for outpatient counseling or therapy services not covered by the Medicaid program; medical services not covered by the Medicaid program, limited to additional health insurance premium amounts (due to a child's special needs) necessary to include the child in the family's coverage plan medical transportation not covered by Medicaid, and the family's lodging and meals, if necessary, when the child is receiving specialized care; for the subsidy special services. Families can negotiate to have these services included in the Adoption Subsidy Agreement whenever the needs of the child or the family’s circumstances change by contacting their local DHS area office.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or medical assistance specialist for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Kansas offers additional payments known as Special Service Payments. Payments are usually offered on a one-time-only basis and/or for time-limited services. One-time-only lump sum payments may be approved for unmet needs and are offered and assessed on a case-by-case basis. These payments are state-funded and may be used to obtain services and items not covered by Medicaid. Services or items must be identified in the adoption assistance agreement to be eligible for Special Service Payment. If a need is identified at a later date, a new adoption assistance agreement shall be developed and signed.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Kentucky offers therapeutic services in addition to the Medicaid services offered under their state plan. Funding is available for Extraordinary Medical Expenses. Reimbursements for medical expenses not covered under medical assistance or the family’s private insurance are available for services related to the special need for which adoption assistance was granted. An income assessment is sometimes done to determine whether the family has a co-payment responsibility. Services covered under this program include the following examples: physical, speech and behavioral therapies, tutoring, customized equipment, and daycare. Funding is available for reimbursements up to $10,000 for intensive in-home services to prevent institutionalized care or out-of-home placement.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Louisiana provides additional services to meet the special pre-existing needs of child receiving adoption assistance through its Special Service Subsidies. Special Service Subsidies are authorized when no other resource or benefit, public or private, is available to meet the child’s anticipated need for a specific service(s). Service needs are assessed and documented by a specialist and should include treatment type, duration and cost. If it is determined that the child’s condition or circumstance make it difficult to predetermine treatment costs, service funding may be granted for an unspecified sum. Special Service Subsidy includes the following examples: prescription medication, physical or speech therapy, psychiatric/psychological care, customized physical devices/equipment, and training necessary to meet the particular needs of the child.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Maine offers the following additional services to children receiving adoption assistance. The services must be explicitly identified in the adoption assistance agreement if the needs are known at the time. It is possible to modify agreements with Central office approval to include specified services after the adoption assistance agreement is drafted.
Supplemental Services. Severely handicapped children are eligible for supplemental services, including therapeutic equipment not covered under state Medicaid, therapeutic summer camp (upon professional recommendation) and education beyond high school depending on annual funding allocations.
Limited Period Assistance. May be a monthly payment for a limited period of time, or a payment (on a recurring basis for a specified period of time) for medical or mental health costs, such as orthodontia, medical treatment, physical and mental health therapy, etc., or, if the child meets relevant criteria, educational benefits.
One-Payment Assistance. A one-time, nonrecurring payment can be made to meet a special need of a child. Examples include payment for an operation necessitated by a child's medical condition or payment for special orthopedic devices.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Adoptive parents may be able to receive some additional financial assistance by applying Post Adoption Services Permanency Program. Children/youth under 18 years of age and families experiencing a crisis due to difficulties presented by a child/youth that may jeopardize their adoptive placement may apply. Funds for the program are limited.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Massachusetts offers what is known as Supplemental Reimbursements. If parents request payments for supplemental reimbursement in addition to the standard adoption assistance payment rate, the adoption social worker provides relevant documentation describing ongoing, additional expenses that are paid above the current foster care rate and which are not expected to be absorbed by other resources, services, or third party payments following the final decree of adoption. Need must be documented in the adoption assistance agreement. Massachusetts also offers a Clothing Allowance. Quarterly clothing allowances may be paid in addition to the standard adoption assistance rate. Parents are directed to contact their adoption assistance worker at 800.835.0838.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
The Michigan Department of Human Services, Family Independence Agency, through the state Adoption Medical Subsidy program, can supplement payment for certain services to the extent that the services are not available through other public and private resources available to the child. Other resources that must first be utilized include: Medicaid, the Intermediate School District, Community Mental Health Centers, Children’s Special Health Care Services, or the parent’s private insurance.
Application for the Adoption Medical Subsidy program may be made either before or after adoption. The program is available to children who were in Michigan’s foster care system prior to adoption or whose adoptions were finalized in a Michigan court prior to June 28, 1992.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Reimbursement is available for special non-medical services, items, or equipment as provided in Minnesota Rule 9560.0083, subpart 7 that are periodically required to meet the special needs documented at the time the child was certified as eligible for adoption assistance. The adoptive parent(s) must obtain written authorization for the expense from the Adoption Assistance Program of the Department of Human Services at least thirty days before making the expenditure. The request for authorization must include documentation to support the request and three bids for the cost of items, services, or equipment. Failure to obtain prior authorization will result in denial of payment for the expense. Examples of such special non-medical services and items include: childcare, family counseling, post-adoption counseling, respite, specialized camps, specialized communication equipment, alterations to the family home or vehicle to accommodate a child’s special physical need(s), and burial expenses under certain circumstances up to a set maximum.
Minnesota offers grants to families who adopted special needs children under certain circumstances. If a child who had a special need at the time of placement, or was at risk of developing such a need, was adopted without adoption assistance, grants are available to offset financial hardship experienced in meeting the child’s special needs. Minnesota allocates $50,000 per fiscal year for these grants and grants are available for up to $10,000. All other resources must be exhausted for a family to be eligible under the grant. Adoptive families are directed to contact their local social service agency to apply for these funds.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Mississippi does not offer additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance.
Missouri offers what are known as Special Services. Funding may be used for the family or child and only when no other resources are available to meet the identified need. Costs may be on a one-time or on-going basis and include: treatment or rehabilitative services (including day care and respite care), residential treatment services, and medical or dental services not covered under Medicaid. Prior authorization, professional documentation of need, and a listing of the need for Special Services in the adoption assistance agreement are required for eligibility.
Missouri also offers what are known as Time-Limited Services. Funding is intended to meet the short- or long-term diagnostic and treatment needs. Parents must use private insurance as primary coverage whenever possible and Medicaid will serve as secondary coverage in these situations. The Division will not supplement payment made by private insurance.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
No.
Nebraska offers what is known as Payment for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions. Funding is available to adoptive parents for medical or mental health services not available through any other program or benefit. Examples of such services include mental health care, basic life skills training, inpatient hospitalization, and medications. Eligible adoptive parents must exhaust all other resources before this funding is available, including their own private insurance. Payment for services is made directly to providers. The need for services must be listed in the adoption assistance agreement and conditions cannot be added after adoption finalization. However, conditions can be changed if the child’s original diagnosis was incorrect. Inpatient psychiatric and residential treatment care is covered in some cases. These services require prior authorization before treatment and coverage is for up to eighteen months of care. Approval for care and length of care are determined by Magellan and based on a child’s need.
Nebraska also offers what is known as a Special Service Subsidy. Funds are allocated on a one-time basis for a specific service or item for a specified period of time. Services or items must relate to the child’s special needs as indicated in the original adoption assistance agreement and are only available if no other program or resource exists to meet the child’s need. These services must be connected to the special need indicated on the original subsidy agreement. Examples of such services and items include: adoptive parent training, specially designed furniture, house modifications designed to accommodate a child’s particular special need, and transportation expenses necessary for a child to receive medical services for a condition in existence prior to adoption finalization. Modifications to the home must be recommended by The Assistive Technology Partnership, an agency contracting by Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The specific modification and the estimated cost must be included in the original adoption assistance agreement and approved by the Central Office adoption specialist prior to the adoption finalization.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Nevada does not have a separate program or funding source to provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under the state medical plan (Medicaid) to children receiving adoption assistance. Children with exceptional medical or behavioral needs may qualify for special payment rates, as determined by the agency, to help cover the cost of a child’s exceptional care. Parents are directed to contact the adoption assistance worker to determine if their child is eligible for exceptional care rates.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
New Hampshire does not offer additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance. New Hampshire adoption assistance staff will assist families in obtaining other available resources.
New Jersey offers what is known as a Special Service Subsidy. The Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) is responsible for the cost of services and items necessary to meet the special needs of the child. Funding for the Special Service Subsidy is available for necessary services that are unable to be met through Medicaid. The need for such services and devices must be outlined in the adoption assistance agreement and approved by the DYFS Assistant Director of the Office of Adoption Operations or his/her designee. Services include the following examples: physical and speech therapy, customized devices/appliances, and special training designed to address the child's specific needs.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Adoptive parents may request payment for other medical or psychological expenses related to the child’s needs. The family requests the payment in writing with justification for the payment. The family first requests payment through either Medicaid or private insurance before requesting payment from Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). The family submits verification of the denial of benefits with the request for payment by CYFD. CYFD considers payment for the following:
- A pre-existing medical cost not covered by Medicaid or insurance that is necessary to meet the needs of the child as verified by a physician
- Out-patient therapy for behavioral, emotional, or psychological needs that are necessary to meet the needs of the child as verified by a physician or therapist
- Residential Treatment Center (RTC) or group home placements, with the following conditions:
- The statewide entity has approved this level of treatment; and
- The family is participating in the therapy; and
- The child’s plan is reunification with the family; and
- The child remains in the family’s legal custody; and
- The family is providing for the child (clothing, school expenses, allowances, daily living needs, etc.)
If approved, the subsidy specialist sends written verification of the payment change in the subsidy and prepares a new annual agreement form for the family’s signature. Upon receipt of the signed agreement, the subsidy specialist enters the changes in FACTS effective on the date of the signature. There is no retroactive payment for increases in subsidy maintenance. If the increase is not approved, the subsidy specialist notifies the adoption manager and notifies the family of the right to an administrative hearing of the decision. The adoption manager makes arrangements with the regional manager to assign a placement worker for the purpose of meeting with the family to assess the child’s needs and identify any resources in the community necessary to assist the family and child.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact the local placement services social worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
New York does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under its state medical assistance state plan to children receiving adoption assistance.
Special needs children with chronic mental or physical conditions or illness may receive services in addition to those covered under North Carolina’s Medicaid plan if services are medically necessary and receive pre-certification under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT). Contact your Medicaid caseworker for more details on EPSDT.
North Carolina also has adoption assistance vendor payment for medical and therapeutic services, HIV Supplemental Payments, and Supplemental Special Children Adoption Incentive Fund for child with severe medical and rehabilitative needs. Supplemental Special Children Adoption Incentive Fund is limited to county participation and is therefore not available to all children.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
North Dakota does not provide additional services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their sate medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance.
Ohio offers a program known as Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS). PASSS is negotiated after adoption finalization and provides funding to families for the reasonable costs of allowable services to address the child's physical or developmental handicap or mental or emotional condition. The child’s condition may have existed before the adoption petition was filed; or developed after the adoption petition was filed and can be attributed to factors in the child's pre-adoption background or medical history or the biological family's background or medical history. Limitations include eligibility criteria and state funding ability. Funding is only available when the assistance sought exceeds the adoptive family’s private resources and assistance is capped at $10, 000 per fiscal year. Applications for assistance are reviewed by a Review Committee and can be approved in whole or in part, based on the needs of the child and the circumstances of the adoptive family.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Oklahoma offers what is known as Special Services. Special Services are used to meet the child's needs that cannot be met by the adoptive parent(s) and are not covered under any other program for which the child would qualify. Funding is available for services not met by the family’s private insurance or Medicaid. Adoptive parents must first seek and exhaust all resources, both public and private, before Special Services are available.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Oregon may provide one-time payments for services approved in exceptional cases as negotiated between DHS and the adoptive family. DHS may authorize these expenses for a limited duration, subject to the agency’s discretion and availability of resources. If necessary, the family will be requested to provide documentation substantiating the need for assistance to DHS. Payment is made to the adoptive family who is then responsible for reimbursing the provider for services.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Pennsylvania does not offer additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under its state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance. However, uncovered costs may prompt an adoptive family to request a renegotiation of their adoption assistance agreement, particularly if the child’s medical or therapeutic needs have increased since the agreement was originally signed. In no case may the adoption assistance payments exceed the amount the county agency would expend to maintain the child in foster care.
Rhode Island offers Other Services. Services include the following examples: day care, respite, and psychological/emotional/behavioral counseling if included in the adoption assistance agreement.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Supplemental Benefits for Medical Assistance (SBMA)is available for conditions that preexisted adoption finalization. Adoptive families must determine the amount of the supplement and request this benefit at the time the adoption assistance agreement is drafted and signed. SBMA is available to meet children’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs unable to be met under any other resource, public or private. Availability is limited to children placed through the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
South Dakota offers what is known as Special Non-medical Subsidies. Funding is available for expenses incurred for services in care of the adopted child. Services include the following examples: expenses incurred in transporting the child to medical care, special education, and psychological treatment; psychological/psychiatric testing and treatment, special education necessary to meet psychological or emotional needs preexisting adoption finalization; and family training or education needed to address the child’s special needs or to provide for their care.
South Dakota also offers what is known as Medical and Surgical Subsidies. Funding is available for physical conditions that existed prior to adoption finalization and is only available once the adoptive family has exhausted all insurance resources. Services include the following examples: prescription medication, physician service, hospitalization/hospital services. If necessary services are not covered under South Dakota’s state medical plan, need for such services must be listed in the adoption assistance agreement to be eligible for funding.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Tennessee does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance. No additional financial assistance or services are available outside of the adoption assistance agreement. Adoption assistance agreements initiated on or after October 1, 1997 require that medically necessary services be funded by either TennCare or private insurance (family coverage).
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Texas does not have a specific program to provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under the state medical plan. Additional services may be available through their Post Adoption Service Program- see Question #7 for information on post adoption services in Texas.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or post adoption services contact for process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Utah may provide payment through what are known as Supplemental Adoption Assistance Agreements. These agreements are time limited for 6-12 months based on annual funding appropriated by the Utah State legislature. Requests for up to $3, 000 can be approved within an agency, up to $10, 000 by a Regional Adoption Assistance Committee, and requests over $10, 000 are sent to a state-wide Supplemental Adoption Assistance Committee.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Vermont does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under its state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance.
Any medical service needed by the child as a result of the child’s physical, mental or emotional disabilities are available. Medicaid is used and any additional health needs are covered through Special Service Payments funded by the state. Funds are available for special services which are unavailable through the family’s private insurance or through an alternate resource. Services include the following examples: medical care, physical equipment, remedial educational services, psychological and psychiatric evaluations and treatment, and residential treatment. Receipts for services must be submitted for payment to Virginia DSS within six months of the end of the month services were received.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
No, Washington does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under its state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance.
West Virginia has a program known as Adoption Assistance Conditional Services. Funding is available for time-specified, short-term assistance to meet medical expenses not covered by Medicaid (except for therapeutic hospitalization). Need for such services must be based on conditions preexisting adoption finalization and should be included in the adoption assistance agreement. Assistance is granted on a case-by-case basis and is subject to the availability of funds. Financial support for extraordinary needs or services is subject to the approval of the administrative management team. Contact the adoption assistance program specialist for program specifics.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance program specialist for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
The adoption assistance rate is negotiated to cover costs not covered by Medicaid. After the adoption is finalized, the family can request minor adjustments to the supplemental rate on an annual basis, but there is no funding to cover major costs not included in the adoption assistance rate. If a monthly monetary adoption assistance amount was awarded, it consists of a basic rate that is determined by age, a supplemental rate based on the needs of the child, and exceptional rate when applicable
A supplemental rate is based on an assessment of a child’s emotional, behavioral, and physical and personal care characteristics. An exceptional rate is established, if applicable, at the time the adoption assistance agreement is signed and is designed to allow the child to live in a less restrictive environment. For a complete listing of these characteristics and their corresponding levels of care for a child whose adoption assistance agreement was signed prior to July 1, 2011, see DCF 50, Facilitating the Adoption of Children With Special Needs – 50.042(3) at: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dcf/50/II/042/3.
For a listing of these characteristics and their corresponding levels of care for a child whose adoption assistance agreement was signed on or after July 1, 2011, see DCF 56, Foster Home Care for Children – 56.23(2), page 25, at http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dcf/56.pdf.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or the Department’s Adoption Services Section at 866-666-5532 for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Wyoming does not provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance.