SUPPORTS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING (SCL) WAIVER
Who is the SCL Waiver for?
The SCL Waiver is designed for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need a high level of care – similar to what’s provided in an institutional setting – but wish to live and receive support in their community.
To qualify:
* The individual must meet criteria for placement in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/IID)
* Must meet Medicaid financial eligibility
* There is a waiting list based on application date and level of need.
Why was it created?
The SCL Waiver was developed following the 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision, which affirmed that individuals with disabilities have the right to receive state-funded services in the least restrictive setting possible – often, their own community.
Services Available Through the SCL Waiver:
– Adult Day Health Care
– Case Management
– Day Training
– Supported Employment
– Residential Supported Services
– Respite
– Community Access & Community Guide Services
– Consultative Clinical and Therapeutic Services
– Personal Assistance
– Positive Behavior Supports
– Transportation
– Shared Living
– Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies
– Environmental and Vehicle Adaptations
– Goods & Services
– Person-Centered Coaching
– Natural Supports Training
– Community Transition Services
How to apply:
Applications are submitted through the https://benefind.ky.gov/ . Placement on the waiting list is determined by when a complete application is received and the applicant’s level of need.
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/scl-waiver.aspx
MICHELLE P. WAIVER (MPW)
Who is the MPW for?
The Michelle P. Waiver is for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need support services to live safely at home or in the community, but do not require residential care.
To qualify:
* The individual must have a developmental or intellectual disability
* Must meet Medicaid financial eligibility
* Must require a protected environment for learning life skills and daily functioning
Why was it created?
In 2002, Michelle Phillips sued the state of Kentucky for not offering enough community-based support services. As a result of that lawsuit, the state launched the Michelle P. Waiver in 2008 to expand services and reduce the SCL Waiver’s long waiting list.
Key Difference from SCL:
The MPW is limited to 40 hours per week of services and does not include residential support. You cannot be enrolled in both the MPW and the SCL Waiver at the same time.
Services Available Through the MPW:
– Case Management
– Adult Day Training
– Supported Employment
– Community Living Supports (CLS)
– Respite
– Behavior Support Services
– Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy
– Personal Care
– Attendant Care
– Homemaker Services
– Environmental & Minor Home Adaptations
– Adult Day Health Care
How to Apply:
Families can apply through https://benefind.ky.gov/. Early application is encouraged due to waiting lists and long processing times.
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/pages/mpw.aspx
Other Waiver Opportunities:
While we specialize in MPW and SCL, we’re actively exploring Supported Employment Services through collaboration with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Stay tuned for updates!
https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/Kentucky-Office-of-Vocational-Rehabilitation.aspx

RISE Initiative (Not a waiver at Quest Farm)
The 1915(i) RISE Initiative—short for Recovery, Independence, Support, and Engagement—is a new Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) benefit launching in Kentucky as of July 1, 2025. It is designed to expand access to community-based supports for adults with a primary diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness (SMI), with or without a co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) .khbe.ky.gov+5chfs.ky.gov+5chfs.ky.gov+5apps.legislature.ky.gov+4khbe.ky.gov+4chfs.ky.gov+4
What is RISE initative? RISE is a state plan amendment under Medicaid that allows Kentucky to offer a range of HCBS without requiring individuals to meet institutional level of care criteria. It focuses on helping individuals with SMI or co-occurring SUD live independently and avoid institutionalization. The program includes ten core services:apps.legislature.ky.gov+4chfs.ky.gov+4khbe.ky.gov+4khbe.ky.gov+1chfs.ky.gov+1
Importantly, individuals currently receiving services under a 1915(c) waiver (like the Michelle P. Waiver) are not eligible for 1915(i) RISE services .dbhdid.ky.gov
These services are delivered statewide, with no enrollment caps, and are reimbursed directly through Medicaid—no managed care contracting is required .chfs.ky.gov+1khbe.ky.gov+1Occasional connectivity issues. Whether you`re building a landing page, a photo gallery, or a complex layout, there`s likely a block pattern ready to use.
What Is It For And Who Is Eligible?
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- Supervised Residential Care
- In-Home Independent Living Supports
- Housing & Tenancy Supports
- Supported Employment
- Supported Education
- Transportation
- Medication Management
- Planned Respite for Caregivers
- Assistive Technology
- Case Management
You must Demonstrate functional impairment in at least two areas (e.g., societal, interpersonal, daily living, physical, or cognitive functioning) as assessed by the InterRAI Community Mental Health toolapps.legislature.ky.gov+1apps.legislature.ky.gov+1apps.legislature.ky.gov+7chfs.ky.gov+7khbe.ky.gov+7apps.legislature.ky.gov+6apps.legislature.ky.gov+6apps.legislature.ky.gov+6
To qualify, individuals must:
– Be 18 years or older
-Be enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
Have a primary diagnosis of SMI or co-occurring SMI and SUD
Importantly, individuals currently receiving services under a 1915(c) waiver (like the Michelle P. Waiver) are not eligible for 1915(i) RISE services .dbhdid.ky.gov
Want to learn more? Visit the official state site to explore the RISE Initiative:
RISE Program Overview – Kentucky DBHDID
Have questions? Contact: 1915iRISEprovider@ky.gov
