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Adoption Subsidy FAQ, Page 3

What about Special Services?

Service subsidies or special services are state-funded programs that come and go based on whether or not the funding is present. These services are extra aids that can be negotiated on top of Medicaid coverage and adoption subsidy. Special services vary from state to state. They may include day care, residential treatment, medical costs not covered under Medicaid, respite care, and more. Family circumstances and the child's special needs determine eligibility.

Federal law says that in addition to the child's level of disability, family circumstances can be taken into account during the negotiation process. "Family circumstances" is defined as the family's ability to incorporate the expense of the child's needs into the family budget. (A parent's income may not be used to determine qualification or subsidy dollar amount.) Changes in family circumstance such as losing a job, relocation to another state, and divorce, can also be cited when re-negotiating a contract.

Example (To Illustrate How to Negotiate Service Subsidies)

Negotiating Tyrone's Services

In addition to Medicaid and subsidy, Tyrone may qualify for up to 5 hours per month of respite care and 5 hours per week of tutoring, at state expense. The state decides to give John the maximum of each service because John is a single parent and because Tyrone's learning problems are severe. The amount and type of special services are negotiated on a case by case basis looking at the child's needs and the family's general circumstances (but not income).

© 2003 Rita Laws and Nancy Ashe. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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