State Policy · VA
Virginia Expands Medicaid Waiver Slots But Thousands Still Wait for Disability Services
Virginia has increased Medicaid waiver slots for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but demand continues to exceed capacity. Thousands remain on waiting lists after losing school-based special education services at age 22, facing a "services cliff." The state's expansion addresses some gaps but has not eliminated waitlists for long-term services and supports. This ongoing capacity shortfall leaves young adults with disabilities without continuity of care as they transition from educational to adult service systems.
Why it mattersState Medicaid agencies managing I/DD waivers face the same challenge — slot expansion cannot keep pace with demand, leaving agencies to ration services and manage growing waitlists while disabled individuals lose critical supports.