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.
South Dakota
Program Overview
Overview
South Dakota has a Division of Developmental Disabilities and a Home and Community Based Services Waiver system.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
South Dakota has a TEFRA State Plan Option (SPA) that disregards parental income for children with disabilities who need institutional-level care but can live at home. Contact South Dakota DHS Medicaid and ask specifically about the TEFRA or Katie Beckett option for children.
Child-relevant waivers
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver is the primary route for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, South Dakota's Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver is the primary adult HCBS program. It covers personal care, home health aide, adult day services, and other community supports that allow adults to remain at home rather than in a nursing facility.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DD Waiver serves individuals with developmental disabilities who meet ICF/ID level of care and financial eligibility.
Financial and income rules
South Dakota Medicaid financial eligibility applies. Waiver-specific rules also apply.
Level of care
ICF/ID level of care is required for the DD Waiver.
Age rules
DD Waiver serves individuals of various ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact South Dakota Department of Human Services for DD Waiver intake.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, level-of-care assessment, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
South Dakota DD Waiver may have limited enrollment. Confirm current status.
Practical next step
Contact South Dakota DHS and ask about DD Waiver intake and current availability.
Services & Support
Services available
DD Waiver can cover residential services, day services, and community supports.
Parent caregiver pay
South Dakota's waivers allow parents and guardians of adults to be paid for some services, such as personal care or habilitation. Parents of minors cannot be paid.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
DakotaLink (dakotalink.net) — South Dakota's AT Act program providing free device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse programs, and AT information statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
South Dakota Medicaid covers behavioral health services including outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis services. The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) within DSS oversees public mental health. Community support providers and federally qualified health centers provide most direct services. South Dakota has significant rural mental health access challenges. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. Telehealth mental health services have expanded statewide.
Additional notes
South Dakota's smaller population means program capacity can be limited. Families should contact DHS directly to ask about current availability and any expected wait times.
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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