Georgia · HCBS Programs

Georgia Medicaid waiver programs

Georgia operates five HCBS waiver programs: COMP and NOW (I/DD through DBHDD), CCSP and SOURCE (aged adults and adults with physical disabilities through DCH and AAAs), and ICWP (adults 21–64 with physical disabilities through DCH). All require active Georgia Medicaid enrollment. This guide explains each program. Confirm current eligibility rules and waitlist status with DBHDD or DCH.

Georgia HCBS waiver programs at a glance

Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) · Community Service Board (CSB)

Who it serves: Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who need an intensive level of community-based support. COMP is Georgia's primary HCBS waiver for I/DD individuals with the highest support needs, including those transitioning from ICF/IID facilities.

How to apply: Contact your local DBHDD Community Service Board (CSB) or apply online at dbhdd.georgia.gov. DBHDD requires an intake assessment to determine eligibility and support needs. A psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores is required to document I/DD eligibility. Confirm current intake procedures with your CSB or DBHDD directly.

COMP has historically maintained a significant waitlist. DBHDD publishes updated waitlist data on its website — confirm current wait status and slot availability with your local CSB before making plans based on historical figures.

New Options Waiver (NOW)

Georgia DBHDD · Community Service Board (CSB)

Who it serves: Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need community-based support at a different service configuration than COMP. NOW is often accessed by individuals who are living with family and need supports to remain in the community without institutional-level care.

How to apply: Apply through your local DBHDD Community Service Board or at dbhdd.georgia.gov. The CSB intake process is the same as COMP; an eligibility determination with I/DD documentation is required. Your CSB intake coordinator can help identify whether COMP or NOW better matches the applicant's support needs.

NOW and COMP share the same eligibility determination pathway through DBHDD and CSBs. Slot availability varies by region and year. Confirm current NOW waitlist status and service-array differences with your local CSB.

Community Care Services Program (CCSP)

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) · Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

Who it serves: Adults who meet a nursing-facility level of care, are at risk of institutionalization, and can be safely supported in the community — including older adults and adults with physical disabilities. CCSP is not limited to I/DD populations.

How to apply: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call the Georgia Division of Aging Services helpline at 1-866-552-4464 to request a CCSP intake assessment. The AAA conducts a level-of-care assessment; eligibility requires meeting a nursing-facility level of care and having active Georgia Medicaid enrollment. Confirm current intake procedures and eligibility criteria with your AAA.

CCSP slots and waitlist status vary by region. Some regions have shorter waits than COMP/NOW, but demand fluctuates. Confirm current slot availability and expected timelines with your local AAA before assuming availability.

Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE)

Georgia DCH · Participating Primary Care Providers

Who it serves: Adults aged 65 and older and adults with disabilities who are at risk of nursing-facility placement and whose medical care is managed through a SOURCE-enrolled primary care provider. SOURCE emphasizes care coordination through the primary care relationship.

How to apply: SOURCE is accessed through primary care providers who are enrolled in the SOURCE program with DCH. Ask your primary care physician whether they are a SOURCE provider; if not, request a referral to a SOURCE-enrolled practice or contact DCH for a list of participating providers. Georgia Medicaid enrollment is required before SOURCE activation.

Not all primary care practices participate in SOURCE — provider availability varies by county and region. If your current physician is not enrolled, transitioning to a SOURCE practice may be required. Confirm current SOURCE provider availability with DCH or your local AAA.

Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP)

Georgia DCH · ICWP Case Management Agencies

Who it serves: Adults aged 21 to 64 with significant physical disabilities who meet a nursing-facility level of care and are not eligible for COMP or NOW (ICWP is not for individuals with I/DD as their primary diagnosis). ICWP supports adults who want to live and work in the community with personal care, attendant care, and related services.

How to apply: Apply through DCH's designated ICWP case management agencies. Contact DCH's Division of Medicaid at 1-800-869-1150 to request information on ICWP case managers in your area. A level-of-care assessment and physician documentation of the physical disability and functional limitations are required. Confirm current enrollment procedures and case manager availability with DCH.

ICWP supports adults with physical disabilities between 21 and 64; individuals who turn 65 while enrolled may transition to CCSP or SOURCE. Confirm current age limits, slot availability, and case manager contacts with DCH before applying.

How to apply for a Georgia Medicaid waiver — 6 steps

Step 1

Identify which Georgia HCBS waiver program fits the applicant's diagnosis and age

Georgia's five main HCBS waivers serve distinct populations through different agencies. COMP and NOW (DBHDD) are for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) — onset before age 22 is typically required. CCSP (DCH/AAA) is for adults at nursing-facility level of care, including older adults and adults with physical disabilities. SOURCE (DCH) is for adults 65+ and adults with disabilities who are served through a SOURCE-enrolled primary care provider. ICWP (DCH) is specifically for adults aged 21–64 with physical disabilities who are not eligible for COMP or NOW. Identifying the correct track first avoids delays from applying through the wrong agency.

Step 2

Confirm Georgia Medicaid enrollment — or begin enrollment simultaneously

All Georgia HCBS waivers require active Georgia Medicaid enrollment before a waiver slot can be activated. Apply for Georgia Medicaid through the Georgia Gateway portal at gateway.ga.gov or by calling 877-423-4746. Most waiver programs allow families to join a waitlist or begin an intake process while Medicaid enrollment is pending, but the slot cannot be finalized without active enrollment. Track your Medicaid case number and the waiver inquiry or application reference number separately — they are parallel processes.

Step 3

Contact the right agency for the specific waiver program

COMP and NOW: contact your local DBHDD Community Service Board (CSB). Find your CSB at dbhdd.georgia.gov or call DBHDD's main line. CCSP and SOURCE: contact your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-866-552-4464 or the Georgia Division of Aging Services. ICWP: contact DCH at 1-800-869-1150 to request ICWP case management referrals. Using the wrong intake channel means starting over — call to confirm the correct entry point before submitting paperwork or scheduling assessments.

Step 4

Gather documentation before the intake assessment

COMP/NOW applicants: a psychological evaluation with a full IQ score and adaptive behavior assessment from a qualified psychologist is required to document I/DD eligibility; also gather physician records, school evaluation or IEP records if the applicant is school-age, and any prior assessments. CCSP applicants: physician documentation of the medical condition limiting daily activities and a level-of-care supporting statement; recent hospitalization or skilled nursing records if applicable. ICWP applicants: physician documentation of the physical disability and functional limitations. All programs require proof of identity, Georgia residency, Social Security number, and active Medicaid enrollment confirmation.

Step 5

Record your intake contact date and all confirmation details immediately

For COMP and NOW, waitlist position and priority may depend on the date of initial CSB contact — not solely on severity of need. After your first contact with the CSB, write down the exact date, the name of the intake coordinator, any confirmation or reference number provided, and the next steps given. For CCSP, ICWP, and SOURCE, record the date your intake assessment was requested and completed. Request written confirmation of any waitlist registration. Screenshot or print any portal or email confirmations. This paper trail is essential if a dispute arises about application dates.

Step 6

Monitor your status annually and respond to every renewal or update request

Georgia waiver programs periodically require families to confirm continued interest in a waitlist slot or active enrollment. For COMP and NOW, contact your CSB at least annually to confirm your waitlist position and update your contact information. CCSP, SOURCE, and ICWP participants have annual level-of-care reassessments — missing these can result in a break in services. Update your address and phone number with the relevant agency whenever they change, and respond promptly to all correspondence from DBHDD, DCH, your AAA, or your case manager. Late or missing responses can result in removal from a waitlist after years of waiting.

Start my Georgia waiver organizer — free Georgia Katie Beckett checklist HCBS eligibility guide

Documents to gather before applying

Collect these before contacting DBHDD, your local CSB, or your AAA. Specific requirements vary by program — see the per-program notes above.

✓Proof of identity (state ID, birth certificate, or passport)
✓Proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or government mail)
✓Social Security number for the applicant
✓Active Georgia Medicaid enrollment confirmation or pending case number from Gateway
✓Qualifying diagnosis documentation (psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores for COMP/NOW; physician documentation for CCSP, ICWP, or SOURCE)
✓Medical records confirming the disability, chronic condition, or developmental diagnosis
✓IEP, psycho-educational evaluation, or prior functional assessment (COMP/NOW applicants)
✓Physician documentation of functional limitations and level-of-care need (CCSP, ICWP, SOURCE applicants)
✓Records of recent hospitalizations or skilled nursing facility stays (if applicable)
✓Insurance and current Medicare/Medicaid plan information

More Georgia and national waiver guides

Georgia Katie Beckett waiver guide Georgia Katie Beckett checklist Georgia Medicaid waiver waitlist HCBS waiver eligibility (national)Medicaid waiver waitlist guide Application checklist (national)Kentucky HCBS waiver programs Ohio HCBS waiver programs Indiana HCBS waiver programs

Georgia Medicaid waiver programs FAQ

What Medicaid HCBS waiver programs does Georgia offer?

Georgia operates five main HCBS waiver programs. COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program) and NOW (New Options Waiver) are administered through DBHDD for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. CCSP (Community Care Services Program) and SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment) are administered through DCH for older adults and adults with physical disabilities or chronic conditions at nursing-facility level of care. ICWP (Independent Care Waiver Program), also administered through DCH, serves adults aged 21–64 with significant physical disabilities. Each program has separate eligibility criteria and application channels. Confirm current program details with DBHDD or DCH.

How do I apply for the COMP or NOW waiver in Georgia?

Contact your local DBHDD Community Service Board (CSB) or visit dbhdd.georgia.gov to begin the COMP or NOW application process. The CSB completes an intake assessment to determine I/DD eligibility — a psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores from a qualified psychologist is required. Georgia Medicaid enrollment is also required before a waiver slot can be activated. You may be able to join the waitlist while Medicaid is pending. Confirm current intake procedures with your CSB.

Is there a waiting list for Georgia's COMP and NOW waivers?

Yes. COMP and NOW have historically maintained significant waiting lists. Waitlist figures and wait times vary by year and region. DBHDD publishes current waitlist data at dbhdd.georgia.gov. Confirm current wait status and expected timelines with your local Community Service Board before making decisions based on historical or third-party figures.

What is the difference between COMP and NOW in Georgia?

Both COMP and NOW are Georgia HCBS waivers for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, both administered through DBHDD and entered through your local Community Service Board. COMP (Comprehensive Supports) provides the highest intensity of support, including for individuals transitioning from ICF/IID facilities. NOW (New Options) supports individuals who need community services at a different intensity — often those living with family. Your CSB intake coordinator can help determine which program better matches the applicant's support needs during the eligibility assessment.

Who qualifies for CCSP or ICWP in Georgia?

CCSP (Community Care Services Program) is for adults who meet a nursing-facility level of care and are at risk of institutionalization — including older adults and adults with physical disabilities. CCSP is not limited to I/DD populations. Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging. ICWP (Independent Care Waiver Program) is specifically for adults aged 21–64 with significant physical disabilities who are not eligible for COMP or NOW. Apply through DCH's designated case management agencies. Both require active Georgia Medicaid enrollment. Confirm current eligibility criteria with your AAA or DCH.

What does WaiverPath do for Georgia waiver families?

WaiverPath is an organizer for families — not an agency, case manager, or benefits advisor. Free accounts open the Georgia waiver guide and basic document tracking. Plus ($6.99/mo or $49/yr) adds a forms assistant for logging your DBHDD or DCH application details, Medicaid enrollment status, CSB or AAA intake dates, annual renewal reminders, and agency correspondence records in one organized place. Always confirm eligibility rules, program requirements, and current waitlist figures with DBHDD, DCH, your CSB, or your AAA.

Does Georgia have HCBS waivers or Medicaid pathways for children with disabilities?

Yes. Georgia's Katie Beckett / TEFRA (Deeming Waiver) is a state-plan Medicaid option for children under 18 who meet an institutional level of care and can be safely supported at home. Under TEFRA, only the child's income and assets are counted — not the parent's — which is why Georgia families call it the Deeming Waiver. Applications go through the Georgia Department of Community Health. Children transitioning to adulthood may become eligible for COMP or NOW through DBHDD. Confirm current eligibility rules with DCH and DBHDD.

WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.