State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Hawaii
Program Overview
Overview
Hawaii's Medicaid program is called Med-QUEST. Children are mostly served through the QUEST Integration 1115 demonstration, plus one 1915(c) waiver for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There is no Katie Beckett/TEFRA route.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Hawaii does not have a Katie Beckett or TEFRA pathway. Most children receive Medicaid through the QUEST Integration 1115 demonstration; for long-term care services, parent income is not counted after the first month of care. Children with developmental disabilities can access the I/DD 1915(c) waiver, which counts only the child's income.
Child-relevant waivers
The HCB Services for People with I/DD Waiver is the main 1915(c) waiver, administered through the Department of Health's Developmental Disabilities Division. QUEST Integration (1115) provides Medicaid and long-term care services to most other children. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, Hawaii's Community Care Services (CCS) Waiver also serves adults, and the state has a Medicaid HCBS program for elderly and adults with physical disabilities. Families should contact Med-QUEST to ask which adult HCBS program fits their specific situation.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DD Waiver serves individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who meet institutional level of care. CCS may serve children with complex medical needs.
Financial and income rules
The I/DD waiver counts only the child's income. Under QUEST Integration, parent income is not counted after the first month of long-term care.
Level of care
Institutional level of care is required for DD Waiver participation.
Age rules
DD Waiver services can begin in childhood. Early intervention services are available from birth to age 3.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact the Hawaii Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division for DD Waiver intake. Contact Med-QUEST for broader Medicaid questions.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, medical records, and Medicaid financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
No waiting lists are currently listed for the I/DD waiver or QUEST Integration.
Practical next step
Contact Hawaii Department of Health DDD and ask about DD Waiver intake, current waitlist, and what documentation is needed. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Hawaii DVR or HDRC.
Services & Support
Services available
DD Waiver can cover supported living, habilitation, respite, day services, and community integration supports.
Parent caregiver pay
Current waiver language states that parents of minors cannot be paid for care. Confirm current rules with the Developmental Disabilities Division.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC — atrc.org) — free device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans, and reuse programs statewide, with services adapted for island locations.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Hawaii Med-QUEST (Medicaid) covers outpatient mental health services, psychiatric evaluations, therapy, medication management, and crisis services. The Behavioral Health Administration within the Department of Health oversees public behavioral health. Community mental health centers are the primary access point. Hawaii has invested in child and adolescent mental health services including the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD). Telehealth is widely used to serve neighbor islands.
Additional notes
Hawaii's island geography affects how services are delivered and which providers are available on each island. Families should contact the DDD directly to ask about availability in their area and whether telehealth options apply.
State-Specific Resources
Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) — Employment Services
Hawaii DVR (humanservices.hawaii.gov/vr/) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help Hawaiians with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Services include vocational evaluation, job training, assistive technology, job coaching, and supported employment. Services are free and available statewide. DVR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+).
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC) — Device Loans & Demonstrations
ATRC provides free assistive technology services including device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans for trial, device reuse programs, and information on AT funding sources. Available statewide, with services adapted for island locations and delivery via telehealth where needed.
Hawaii Early Intervention Program (Birth to Age 3)
Hawaii's Early Intervention program serves families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities and are family-focused. Referrals can be made by anyone. Contact the Hawaii Department of Health.
Hawaii Disability Rights Center (HDRC) — Legal Advocacy & P&A
HDRC (hawaiidisabilityrights.org) is Hawaii's Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, assistive technology access, and abuse/neglect. Also operates the Client Assistance Program (CAP) for vocational rehabilitation issues.
Hawaii — No State Paid Family Leave
Hawaii does not currently have a state-mandated paid family leave or temporary disability insurance program. Workers must rely on federal FMLA (unpaid) or employer-provided benefits. Some employers may offer voluntary Short-Term Disability insurance.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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