Who to call first

Ask for the denial reason in writing, confirm whether prior authorization was submitted, and identify what supporting records may be missing. Start with the prescribing provider, therapist, equipment vendor, or the Medicaid plan or agency that issued the denial. Find your state Medicaid contact via the State Directory on this site.

Start with the state Medicaid agency, managed care plan, hospital discharge planner, primary care office, or waiver intake program depending on urgency. Adults with disabilities and families of children may access different programs — ask which pathway applies.

Start with any current waiver, disability-service, or Medicaid support program already involved and ask whether respite is included. ARCH National Respite Network maintains a national respite locator at respitelocator.org.

Start with the state Medicaid agency, developmental-disability agency, waiver intake office, or long-term-support program responsible for the exact waiver. Both adults and children may have relevant pathways. Your state page on this site lists the primary programs and contacts.

Start with the waiver administrator, Medicaid agency, or managed care plan for the specific program involved. Rules differ by state, program, and whether self-direction is available.

Start with the school team or special education director. If unresolved, contact your state's Parent Training and Information (PTI) center — every state has one and they are free. Find yours at parentcenterhub.org.

Start with the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency in your state — P&As serve disabled people of all ages and are free. Find your state's P&A at ndrn.org. Disability Rights Advocates (dredf.org) and the Bazelon Center are also strong national resources.

Start with the adult-service side of the current system, a support coordinator, or Medicaid planning resources. For young adults still in school, the transition team is a key contact. PACER Center and your state's P&A can also help.

Start with the clearest immediate problem. A hospital social worker, primary care provider, or Family-to-Family Health Information Center can be a useful first call. Find your state's Family-to-Family center at familyvoices.org.