Apply to New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP)

These Medicaid waiver programs support eligible Georgians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

A Medicaid waiver provides funding for services that support people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. These services are typically provided in the home or community rather than in an institution.

NOW supports individuals who can live independently or with family.

COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, including residential care.

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) administers Medicaid and partners with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to operate these programs.

NOW and COMP services are accessed through DBHDD regional field offices and the Georgia Collaborative Administrative Services Organization (ASO).

How Do I … Apply to NOW & COMP?

Make Sure You’re Eligible
To qualify for NOW and COMP, you must be eligible for Medicaid and:
- Have an intellectual disability before age 18 or a related developmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy before age 22.
- Have significant limitations in intellectual or adaptive functioning
- Require the level of care provided in an intermediate care facility
DBHDD does not determine Medicaid eligibility. You may need to apply for Medicaid separately through DCH.
Gather What You’ll Need
- Proof of citizenship
- Social Security and Medicaid cards
- Psychological evaluations and/or records from schools, providers, or care facilities
You can upload required documents during the online application process.
Fill Out and Submit Your Application
You can apply for NOW and COMP services online, in person, or by mail.
NOW & COMP - Fill Out and Submit Your Application
- Apply online
  
  Visit the Georgia Collaborative ASO website and access the Individual IDD Connects portal
  Create an account to start your application
  Complete and submit the referral form
  Upload all required documents directly to your account
  You can save your progress and return later if needed
  Online applications are processed faster. Paper applications must be manually entered into the system, which may delay processing.
- Apply in person
  
  Download and print the following forms:
  Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services
  Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A)
  Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A)
  Visit your local DBHDD regional field office. Staff can help you complete and submit your application.
  DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview.
  DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment.
  Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment.
- Apply by mail
  
  Download and print the following forms:
  Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services
  Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A)
  Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A)
  Complete the form and send it to your DBHDD regional field office. (Forms can also be faxed.)
  DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview.
  DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment.
  Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment.
Next Steps
Application Review
- DBHDD staff will review your application to make sure it is complete
- You will be contacted if additional documents are needed
- Your application must be fully submitted, not just started, before review begins
Pre-eligibility Determination
- A DBHDD psychologist reviews your application
- You may be contacted for more information or an interview
- You will receive a letter with the decision
- If denied, you will receive information about how to appeal
Planning List Placement
- If pre-eligible, you will be placed on the planning list for developmental disabilities services
- Priority is based on the level of need such as health, safety, and caregiver support, not time on the list
Final Eligibility and Funding
- Individuals with the highest needs are reviewed by an external partner, Alliant-Georgia Medical Care Foundation, for final eligibility
- If approved, you will receive waiver funding
Begin Services
- A service plan will be developed based on your strengths, needs, and goals
- You will choose providers and begin receiving services in your home or community
NOW and COMP services must be reviewed and renewed each year.

Apply to New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP)

How Do I … Apply to NOW & COMP?

Make Sure You’re Eligible

Gather What You’ll Need

Fill Out and Submit Your Application

Next Steps

Application Review

Pre-eligibility Determination

Planning List Placement

Final Eligibility and Funding

Begin Services

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