ND Health And Human Services Launches New Pilot Program To Support Families Caring For A Household Member With Extraordinary Needs

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that family members who provide extraordinary care to either a child or adult enrolled in an eligible North Dakota (ND) Medicaid 1915(c) waiver may receive payments from the state through the new Family Paid Caregiver pilot program.

State funding for the pilot program was approved from the passage of Senate Bill 2276 during the 2023 legislative session.

Eligible ND Medicaid 1915(c) waivers include the Autism Spectrum Disorder Birth Through 17 Waiver, Children with Medically Fragile Needs Home and Community-Based Services Waiver, Children’s Hospice Home and Community-Based Services Waiver and the Traditional Individual with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. More information about ND Medicaid 1915(c) waivers can be found at hhs.nd.gov/waivers.

“We are excited for this program to begin and provide financial help for family members who are caring for someone who has extraordinary needs,” HHS Developmental Disabilities Section Director Tina Bay said. “This program aligns with our key priorities. Providing support to family caregivers directly supports strong, stable, and healthy families.”

HHS will begin accepting applications for the Family Paid Caregiver pilot program on April 1, 2024.

Individuals who are enrolled in one of the eligible ND Medicaid 1915(c) waivers or are a legally responsible caregiver for someone who is enrolled in one of the waivers can apply.

Applicants will be required to complete an assessment to determine if the care required meets the definition of extraordinary care.

More information about the program, including where to apply can be found at hhs.nd.gov/individuals-disabilities/family-paid-caregiver-pilot-program.