​​​​Participant Directed Services (PDS) allows people eligible for Medicaid waiver services to choose their own providers for non-medical waiver services. Provider choice gives members greater flexibility in the delivery of services received.

Kentucky Medicaid members may participate in PDS who currently receive or are eligible for services through these waiver programs:

Home and Community-Based Waiver 2 (HCB) targets assistance for those with aging-related and/or physical disabilities.

Supports for Community Living Waiver (SCL) targets assistance for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. There is a waiting list for allocation of this waiver to individuals. Placement on the waiting list is determined by the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. This waiver may provide residential accommodations.

Acquired Brain Injury Acute Waiver (ABI-A) and Long-Term Care Brain Injury Waiver (ABI-LTC) target assistance for those with acquired brain injuries. There is a waiting list for allocation of these waivers to individuals. Placement on the waiting list is determined by the Department for Medicaid Services. These waivers may provide residential accommodations.

Michelle P Waiver (MPW) The Michelle P Waiver targets assistance for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. There is a waiting list for this waiver.

How to Enroll

Current participants receiving services under ABI-A, ABI-LTC, SCL, MP and HCB2 waivers may consult with their case managers to discuss enrollment in PDS.

Those currently not served under an eligible waiver, but who may qualify, can get help from home authorized adult day health care centers, acquired brain injury providers, home health agencies, or supports for community living providers. Regional area agencies on aging and Independent Living and regional community mental health centers can help eligible recipients interested in enrolling with PDS. A representative from any of these agencies can help you with an application for a waiver through the Kentucky Kynect website.

Once enrolled in the PDS program, help arranging for needed waiver services are assisted by PDS case managers also referenced as support brokers or service advisors. These agency representatives also help develop plans of care and budgets, direct participants to training and help with hiring service providers.

PDS Participant Responsibilities

• Work with assigned support brokers/service advisors to develop individual service plans that include support spending and emergency backup plans.
• Hire, train, schedule and terminate employees as necessary.
• Follow the person-centered service plan (AKA plan of care) and spending plan.
• Meet any patient liability obligations as determined by the Department for Community Based Services.
  
• Choose an authorized representative, if needed or desired.
• Submit paperwork correctly and timely.
• Follow PDS policies, procedures, guidelines, and administrative regulations.
  

Choosing Between PDS or Traditional Services

If PDS participant does not meet expectations and personal preferences in care and service delivery, participants may return to the Home and Community-Based Waiver 2 traditional services without loss of eligibility. The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) also may terminate a PDS participant who does not continue to follow or meet regulatory criteria. The PDS case manager​ will help you understand your options.