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.
Washington
Program Overview
Overview
Washington State has the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) within DSHS. Washington also has strong self-directed care options and a DDA Individual Support Waiver.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Washington has not adopted the Katie Beckett/TEFRA state plan option. Children access services through DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration waivers (such as Basic Plus, Core, and Community Protection) and Home & Community Options, which require standard Medicaid financial eligibility plus a level-of-care assessment. Contact Washington DSHS DDA and ask how income is counted for each waiver.
Child-relevant waivers
The DDA Individual and Family Services Waiver and the Community Protection Waiver are primary routes for individuals with developmental disabilities. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, Washington's Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) Waiver is a major adult HCBS program. COPES covers personal care, home health aide, adult day health, homemaker services, and other community supports. COPES is administered through DSHS and is separate from the DDA DD waiver system.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DDA waivers serve individuals with developmental disabilities who meet level-of-care criteria and have applied through DDA.
Financial and income rules
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) financial eligibility applies. Waiver-specific rules also apply.
Level of care
Level-of-care determination is conducted through DDA assessment.
Age rules
DDA serves individuals of various ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Washington DSHS DDA for intake and applications.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, DDA intake assessment, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Washington DDA waivers have had limited enrollment periods. Confirm current status.
Practical next step
Contact Washington DSHS DDA and ask about intake, waiver eligibility, and the Individual Provider option. For non-Medicaid supports, contact DVR or PAVE.
Services & Support
Services available
DDA waivers can cover residential services, day services, employment supports, in-home supports, and respite.
Parent caregiver pay
Washington's Individual Providers (IP) system allows adults receiving Medicaid in-home care to hire family members as paid in-home care workers. However, current DDA waiver language excludes parents and guardians of minors from being paid, and the state began a study in 2023 to assess adding a paid parent caregiving program.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP — ihdd.org/watap) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, and device reuse programs statewide. Emma's Exceptional Equipment Exchange is also a notable nonprofit community model for families seeking adaptive equipment.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) covers behavioral health services through managed care plans (MCOs) and Apple Health for Kids. Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community support. The Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) jointly oversee behavioral health. Behavioral health administrative services organizations (BHASOs) coordinate community mental health. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. Washington has invested significantly in children's behavioral health including school-based services.
Additional notes
Washington's Individual Provider system is one of the more developed models in the country for in-home family caregiver pay. Families who want to be compensated for providing care should ask DDA about this option.
State-Specific Resources
Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) — Employment Services
Washington DVR (dshs.wa.gov/dvr) assists people with disabilities with vocational rehabilitation counseling, employment services and supports, assistive technology, job placement and coaching, and specialized services for those who are blind or low vision. Services are free and available statewide. DVR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+) and has developed partnerships with employers and community organizations. Phone: 1-800-637-5627.
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) — Device Loans & Reuse
WATAP (ihdd.org) provides free device loans for demonstration and trial, hands-on demonstrations, and device reuse programs. The program serves individuals with disabilities and their caregivers across Washington. Services are provided through demonstration centers and community partners statewide.
PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment) — Family Advocacy
PAVE (wapave.org) provides support, training, information, and resources to individuals, youth, and families impacted by disabilities in Washington. Services include parent training, information sessions, advocacy support, and family empowerment. Phone: (206) 621-8603 · Toll-free: (800) 5-PAVE-5.
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (Birth to Age 3)
Washington's Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program serves families with children from birth through age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities. Families can self-refer or be referred by anyone. Contact your local ESD (Educational Service District) for referral information.
Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Washington's PFML program (paidleave.wa.gov), effective January 2020, provides up to 90% wage replacement for up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or address personal medical needs. Eligibility requires residency and working at least 820 hours in the past year.
Disability Rights Washington — Legal Advocacy & P&A
Disability Rights Washington (disabilityrightswa.org) is the state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, and abuse/neglect. Phone: (206) 324-1521 · Toll-free: (800) 562-2702.
Sources
Recent news for Washington
KING 5 on MSN · October 14, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Funding & Budget, Housing & Employment
Advocacy groups are warning that proposed state funding cuts for disability services could jeopardize the stability and housing security of many vulnerable Washington residents.
KIRO 7 News Seattle on MSN · October 10, 2026 · Rights & Law
A visitor to the Tacoma Dome reports that the venue is charging an extra fee for access to disability-related accommodations.
Yakima Herald · October 7, 2026 · Funding & Budget, Medicaid & Waivers
State officials are debating budget cuts that could restrict eligibility for developmental disability services and affect thousands of residents.
Yahoo · October 7, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Funding & Budget
Washington state officials are proposing budget reductions that could cut essential services for thousands of residents with developmental disabilities.
Washington State Standard · October 2, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers
While Washington state is implementing cuts to immigrant Medicaid programs, some residents may still qualify for continued coverage through state-specific protections.
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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