West Virginia Medicaid waiver guide
Learn how West Virginia Medicaid waiver services work, which state agency to start with, how the application process usually begins, and where to search for home and community-based services.
Last reviewed July 2026. See something out of date? Use the “Suggest an edit” button to let us know.
West Virginia's Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver serves children and adults, providing services in the places people live, work, and shop rather than in an intermediate care facility. Applications go to Acentra Health rather than to a county office, and the process has a defined shape: roughly 90 to 105 days from application to approval, then placement on a managed enrollment list if no slot is open. One detail is worth knowing before you start — when you are approved, you receive a letter listing the services you may qualify for while waiting for a slot.
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Children and adults with an intellectual disability or similar condition severe before age 22
You must be a West Virginia resident on the date the application is submitted, with proof of residency; have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or a similar condition that was severe before age 22; have difficulties in at least three of six specified areas; be financially eligible through your local Department of Human Services office; and choose home and community-based services over care in an ICF/IID. Medical eligibility involves an evaluation by a psychologist you select, and their scheduling availability is the main variable in how long approval takes.
You must be a West Virginia resident on the date the application is submitted, and provide proof of residency. The timing is specific — residency is measured at submission.
You need a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or a similar condition that was severe before age 22.
You must have difficulties in at least three of six specified functional areas. Documentation across three areas is the core of the medical eligibility case, so make sure the evaluation covers the full picture.
You must be financially eligible through your local Department of Human Services office and choose home and community-based services over care in an ICF/IID.
Approval and a slot are separate. If a slot is not immediately available, an approved applicant is placed on a managed enrollment list, which adds to the time before services begin. Importantly, once you are approved for IDDW you receive a letter listing all the services you and your family may qualify for while waiting for a slot — so approval opens doors even before enrollment.
Send the completed application by mail to 1007 Bullitt St., Suite 200, Charleston, WV 25301, by fax to 1-866-521-6882, or by email to WVIDDWaiver@acentra.com. Applications do not go to a county office.
Open linkApproval typically takes 90 to 105 days, and the variable is the scheduling availability of the psychologist you choose. Asking about wait times before selecting one is the single clearest way to speed things up.
Medical eligibility requires difficulties in at least three of six specified areas, with the condition severe before age 22. Make sure the evaluation addresses the whole range rather than only the most obvious.
Financial eligibility runs through your local Department of Human Services office, separately from the medical determination. Start it in parallel.
When approved, you receive a letter listing all the services you may qualify for while waiting for a slot. Many families file that letter away without acting on it. It is the most useful document you will receive during the wait.
If you have not heard back within five business days, call 1-866-385-8920. Silence is worth chasing rather than waiting out.
Exact covered services depend on the waiver, assessed need, Medicaid rules, funding, and state program requirements. Confirm services, availability, and payment acceptance with the state, support coordinator, and provider.
West Virginia's IDDW includes participant-directed options, letting members and families take a role in selecting and directing their own supports. Ask your service coordinator which services can be self-directed and how the budget works before your plan is finalized.
Approved waiver services are paid by West Virginia Medicaid. Once enrolled, there is generally little or no direct cost for covered services.
The approval letter lists services you may qualify for while waiting for a slot. Treat that as an actionable list rather than paperwork — it is the state telling you what is available now.
In residential settings the waiver pays for services, not room and board, which is typically covered by the person's own income such as SSI.
West Virginia's Birth to Three program provides early intervention for infants and toddlers, separately from the IDDW.
School districts provide special education under an IEP. Waiver services are separate and additional, and school evaluations can help document functional difficulties.
The condition must have been severe before age 22. Make sure the records establishing that exist before the birthday, since the evaluation depends on them.
With a 90 to 105 day approval process followed by a possible managed enrollment wait, starting early matters. Approval also unlocks the list of services available while waiting, so there is value in being approved even before a slot exists.
If eligibility or a waiver service is denied, reduced, or ended, you have the right to appeal within the deadline printed on your notice. Disability Rights of West Virginia is the state's federally mandated protection and advocacy system, and its services are confidential and free.
Protection & Advocacy system for West Virginia
1-800-950-5250Visit site1007 Bullitt St., Suite 200, Charleston — fax 1-866-521-6882, WVIDDWaiver@acentra.com
1-866-385-8920Visit siteProgram information, policy, and forms
Visit siteWest Virginia Medicaid, including Chapter 513 IDDW policy
Visit siteFree confidential advocacy — 304-346-0847 voice and TTY
1-800-950-5250Visit siteLocal help & referrals — dial 211
Visit siteApplicants who ultimately meet medical eligibility can typically expect 90 to 105 days between application and approval. The main variable is the scheduling availability of the psychologist you choose for the evaluation — so asking about wait times before selecting one is the clearest way to move faster.
Yes, and this is the most overlooked part of West Virginia's process. When you are approved for IDDW you receive a letter listing all the services you or your family may qualify for while waiting for a slot on the managed enrollment list. Read that letter and act on it rather than filing it away.
To Acentra Health — by mail at 1007 Bullitt St., Suite 200, Charleston, WV 25301, by fax at 1-866-521-6882, or by email to WVIDDWaiver@acentra.com. It does not go to a county office.
Medical eligibility requires documented difficulties in at least three of six specified functional areas, along with a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or similar condition severe before age 22. Make sure the psychological evaluation addresses the full range rather than only the most visible difficulties.
If you have not heard back from Acentra within five business days, call toll-free at 1-866-385-8920. The state publishes that follow-up window specifically, so chasing silence is expected rather than pushy.
You must be a West Virginia resident on the date the application is submitted, with proof of residency; have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or a similar condition that was severe before age 22; have difficulties in at least three of six specified areas; be financially eligible through your local Department of Human Services office; and choose home and community-based services over care in an ICF/IID. Medical eligibility involves an evaluation by a psychologist you select, and their scheduling availability is the main variable in how long approval takes.
submit the iddw application to acentra health, choose your evaluating psychologist with scheduling in mind, document difficulties across at least three of six areas, establish financial eligibility, then enroll and choose providers. Start with West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services.
Covered services vary by waiver and assessed need, and commonly include in-home supports, respite, supported employment, day services, behavior support, residential supports. Confirm specifics with the state and provider.
Approval and a slot are separate. If a slot is not immediately available, an approved applicant is placed on a managed enrollment list, which adds to the time before services begin. Importantly, once you are approved for IDDW you receive a letter listing all the services you and your family may qualify for while waiting for a slot — so approval opens doors even before enrollment.
Approved waiver services are generally covered by Medicaid at little or no direct cost once enrolled, though some enrollees may owe a monthly patient responsibility based on income.
West Virginia's IDDW program information, eligibility, and how to apply.
West VirginiaApplication forms, policy manuals, and member resources.
West VirginiaThe Bureau for Medical Services policy chapter governing the waiver.
West VirginiaFree confidential protection and advocacy services, including appeals help.
West VirginiaFind waiver providers and services in West Virginia on Waiverly.
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