All you need to know
By Mercyland Healthcare Inc. 
Beginning January 1, 2026, DDS has introduced a waitlist for the IDD Waiver due to limited funding. At Mercyland Healthcare Inc, we want you to know what this means—and what support remains available.
What Has Not Changed
-
You still have support. The waitlist applies only to the IDD Waiver and does not affect eligibility for other DDS services.
-
The IFS Waiver remains open.The Individual and Family Support (IFS) Waiver continues without a waitlist when spots are available.
-
Your Mercyland team is here. You will continue to have a Service Coordinator, ISP meetings, and guidance throughout the process.
Understanding Your Options
-
IDD Waiver: Designed for individuals who need higher levels of support, including residential services or 24-hour care.
-
IFS Waiver: For individuals living with family or friends. It offers community and employment supports but does not cover housing and typically has an annual spending cap.
How the Waitlist Works
The IDD Waiver waitlist is based on Level of Need (LON)—not how long you’ve been waiting. DDS prioritizes individuals as Priority, Urgent, or Non-Urgent, depending on current needs and risks.
Advocate for Yourself
Be honest during assessments, document changes in need, and reach out to advocacy groups if needed. You may also request a Fair Hearing if you disagree with a decision.
Advocacy Matters: Pro Tips
-
Be honest during assessments and share all support needs, including caregiver challenges.
-
Track changes and contact your Service Coordinator if needs increase—don’t wait for check-ins.
-
Explore other options like the IFS Waiver while on the IDD waitlist.
-
Seek support from advocacy groups such as The Arc or
the Office of Rights and Advocacy (ORA) if needed.
-
You can request a Fair Hearing within 30–90 days if you disagree with a decision.
Where Do You Fit In?
DDS uses three priority categories to determine who receives services first:
-
Priority: Emergency situations, very high support needs, or no natural supports
-
Urgent: At risk of losing housing or essential care
-
Non-Urgent: Eligible for services and currently stable
Let’s check in: Which category best reflects your situation right now?
Example: “I live with my aging parents, and they are struggling to support me” (Urgent).
We’re Here to Help
Mercyland Healthcare Inc is committed to supporting you through every step. If you have questions or need help understanding your options, our team is here for you.
