The OBRA Waiver is a program in Pennsylvania designed to help adults with severe physical disabilities live independently at home instead of in a nursing facility. This program offers various services to support daily living and promote independence.
What Is the OBRA Waiver?
The OBRA Waiver, named after the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, is a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program. It assists individuals with developmental physical disabilities by providing support services that enable them to live in their communities rather than in institutional settings. (pa.gov)
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the OBRA Waiver in Pennsylvania, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania
- Have a severe developmental physical disability that began before age 22 and is expected to continue indefinitely
- Require a level of care typically provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC)
- Experience substantial limitations in at least three major life activities
- Meet financial eligibility requirements as determined by the local County Assistance Office
Individuals who turn 60 while enrolled can continue receiving services, but new applicants aged 60 and above are directed to other programs. (pa.gov)
Services Offered
The OBRA Waiver provides a range of services tailored to individual needs, including:
- Adult Daily Living Services
- Employment Skills Development
- Job Coaching (Intensive and Extended Follow-along)
- Personal Assistance Services
- Residential Habilitation Services
- Respite Care
- Service Coordination
- Structured Day Habilitation Services
- Accessibility Adaptations, Equipment, Technology, and Medical Supplies
- Home Health Services
- Non-Medical Transportation
2025 Updates to the OBRA Waiver
Effective January 1, 2025, the OBRA Waiver includes several updates:
- Introduction of teleservices for Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, Counseling Services, and Nutritional Consultation
- Modifications to service definitions for Benefits Counseling, Employment Skills Development, Home Adaptations, and Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
- Addition of the HCBS Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey
- Reduction in experience requirement for Structured Day Habilitation Support Staff from three years to two years
- Clarification on child abuse clearance requirements for direct care workers
(pa.gov)
How to Apply
To apply for the OBRA Waiver:
- Contact the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB): Call 1-877-550-4227
- Schedule Assessments: The IEB will arrange for assessments
- Physician Certification: A doctor must complete a certification form
- Develop a Service Plan: A personalized service plan is created if eligible
Financial Eligibility
In 2025, the income limit for the OBRA Waiver is $2,901 per month. Only the applicant’s income is counted. If income exceeds the limit, applicants may use programs like Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) or set up a qualified income trust to qualify.
(phlp.org)
Benefits of the OBRA Waiver
- Independence: Live at home and in the community
- Personalized Care: Services match individual needs
- Support for Caregivers: Helps family caregivers with resources
- Cost-Effective: Reduces need for nursing home care
For more information or to apply, contact the Independent Enrollment Broker at 1-877-550-4227 or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
