North Dakota – The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is inviting public comment on proposed changes to two Medicaid waivers designed to support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and medically fragile conditions. Comments will be accepted through July 27, 2025, at 5 p.m. Central Time.

The proposed amendments reflect recent state legislative changes and are pending federal approval.

The Medicaid ASD waiver currently provides services aimed at helping eligible children maximize development and supporting families to avoid out-of-home placements. The proposed changes would extend the qualifying age for children served by the waiver from 17 to 20 years old.

Additionally, the number of slots would increase to 400 per year, with up to 345 active at a time. Updates to service language are also included. Providers would receive a 2% rate increase in 2025 and an additional 2% increase in 2026, impacting service management (case management) and respite care.

Similarly, the Medicaid waiver for medically fragile children, which helps families keep children ages 3 to 18 at home rather than in nursing homes or hospitals, would see the qualifying age raised to 21. Slots would increase to 75 per year, with 50 active at once. The services covered by this waiver will remain unchanged.

Residents are encouraged to submit feedback on these proposals by the deadline to ensure their voices are heard in the waiver approval process.