Georgia Waiver Services (NOW & COMP Programs)
HealthLink Home Care proudly provides services under Georgia’s New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP). These Medicaid waiver programs are designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering home and community-based services as an alternative to institutional care.
Our goal is to help individuals live safely, independently, and with dignity in their homes and communities while supporting families and caregivers every step of the way.
What Are NOW & COMP Waiver Programs?
The NOW and COMP waivers are administered by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). These programs provide Medicaid-funded services to eligible individuals who require support due to intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- NOW Waiver: Offers limited services to individuals living in the community or with family.
- COMP Waiver: Provides a more comprehensive level of support for individuals with higher needs.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility for the NOW or COMP waiver generally includes:
- A diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability
- Eligibility for Medicaid
- Need for ongoing support services
- Georgia residency
Final eligibility determinations are made by DBHDD.
Services HealthLink Home Care Provides
Under the NOW and COMP waiver programs, HealthLink Home Care may provide services such as:
- Personal care and assistance with activities of daily living
- Community living support
- Companion and respite services
- Skill-building and independence support
- Homemaking and household assistance
Services are tailored to each individual’s approved service plan.
Counties Served
HealthLink Home Care provides Georgia waiver services in the following counties:
Bartow, Bibb, Butts, Cobb, Douglas, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Lamar, Paulding, Spalding, Twiggs
Waiver Services: When to Consider
When might waiver services be appropriate for an individual or family? They may be worth exploring when a person with an intellectual or developmental disability needs ongoing assistance to safely manage everyday activities while remaining at home or participating in the community.
Families may also consider learning more about waiver services when caregiving responsibilities have become difficult to manage alone, when an individual needs additional help developing independent living skills, or when maintaining community involvement requires additional support.
Could additional assistance make daily routines more manageable? Is there a need for help with personal care, household activities, companionship, or community participation? These are important questions to discuss when exploring available waiver supports, including working with a NOW/COMP waiver services provider in Georgia.
It is also helpful to remember that waiver programs are individualized. The appropriate services depend on eligibility, assessed needs, and the individual’s approved service plan. Families can seek guidance through the appropriate Georgia agencies to better understand eligibility, enrollment, and available support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia NOW Waiver Program?
What is the Georgia COMP Waiver Program?
What is the difference between the NOW and COMP waivers?
Who determines eligibility for the NOW and COMP waiver programs?
Can waiver services help someone remain at home?
What services can be included under a Georgia waiver?
Does being eligible for Medicaid automatically qualify someone for a NOW or COMP waiver?
Let’s Make Care Feel Easier
Your loved one deserves compassionate care they can count on. Reach out today to discover personalized home care services designed around your family’s needs.
Official Program Information
For official program guidelines, visit the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov
