Disability services in Pennsylvania

Adults 21 and older with autism spectrum disorder who are recommended for ICF level of care and are eligible for Medical Assistance.

Start with: Your county mental health/intellectual disabilities (MH/ID) program office · (888) 565-9435 · Website (opens in a new tab)

The Adult Autism Waiver has a limited number of slots, so there may be a wait.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Call your county MH/ID office and make an appointment to register.
2. Bring records that show the autism diagnosis.
3. Get a medical evaluation for level of care.
4. Apply for Medical Assistance at your County Assistance Office if needed.
5. Work with your supports coordinator to enroll when a slot is open.

Have these ready

• Autism diagnosis report
• Medical evaluation
• Social Security number and proof of address
• Medical Assistance card or application

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Adults 21 and older with autism who live in Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin or Lancaster County, meet ICF level of care and are financially eligible for Medical Assistance.

Start with: DHS Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP), ACAP · (866) 539-7689 · Website (opens in a new tab)

People who meet the basic rules (diagnosis, age, county) are placed on the ACAP waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Call 1-866-539-7689 and choose the ACAP option.
2. Leave your name, phone, address and county.
3. BSASP calls you back with questions.
4. If you meet the basic rules, you are added to the ACAP waiting list.
5. When a spot opens, finish the application and enroll in the ACAP plan.

Have these ready

• Autism diagnosis report
• Proof of address in one of the four counties
• Medical Assistance information
• Phone number where you can be reached

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People of any age with an intellectual disability or autism, children under 9 with a developmental disability likely to lead to ID or autism, and people under 22 with a medically complex developmental disability, who meet ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: Your county mental health/intellectual disabilities (MH/ID) program office (administrative entity) · (888) 565-9435 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Pennsylvania uses the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Call your county MH/ID program office and make an appointment to register.
2. Bring medical, psychological and school records that show the diagnosis.
3. The county decides if you are eligible and you choose a supports coordinator.
4. Your supports coordinator helps you apply for the waiver and for Medical Assistance.
5. If no waiver slot is open, complete a PUNS form to join the waiting list.

Have these ready

• Proof of diagnosis (psychological or medical evaluation)
• School records such as an IEP
• Medicaid card or Medicaid application number
• Social Security number and proof of address
• Guardianship papers, if any

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 with a developmental delay (50 percent in one area or 33 percent in two) who need Early Intervention and meet ICF/ORC level of care.

Start with: Your county Infant/Toddler Early Intervention program (run through the county MH/ID office) · 1-800-692-7288 (CONNECT Helpline, Early Intervention referrals) or 717-346-9320 (DHS, waiver questions) · Website (opens in a new tab)

Early Intervention is free to families and the DHS pages describe no waiting list. Start with a referral to CONNECT.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Contact your county Early Intervention program and ask for an evaluation.
2. Ask if your child can use the Infants, Toddlers and Families Waiver.
3. Complete the Early Intervention plan (IFSP).
4. Apply for Medical Assistance for your child if asked.
5. Get special instruction services at home or in the community.

Have these ready

• Child's birth certificate
• Doctor or developmental records
• Insurance cards
• Proof of address

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults 18 to 59 with a developmental physical disability (a physical, sensory or neurological condition that began before age 22) with limits in three or more major life activities.

Start with: Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB) · (877) 550-4227 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Pennsylvania reported no one waiting for waivers for older adults and adults with physical disabilities in KFF's 2026 state data.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Call the PA IEB at 1-877-550-4227 and ask about the OBRA waiver.
2. Complete the assessment.
3. Apply for Medical Assistance if needed.
4. Choose a service coordination agency.
5. Make a service plan.

Have these ready

• Medical records showing when the disability began
• List of help you need each day
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical Assistance card or application

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults 21 and older with physical disabilities and older adults who meet nursing facility clinical eligibility and the financial rules.

Start with: Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB); Area Agency on Aging does the level of care check for people 60 and older · 1-877-550-4227 (TTY 1-877-824-9346) · Website (opens in a new tab)

No waitlist was described for Community HealthChoices.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Call the PA IEB at 1-877-550-4227.
2. Complete the functional assessment (the Area Agency on Aging does this for people 60 and older).
3. Your County Assistance Office reviews your finances.
4. Choose a CHC plan: AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone First CHC, PA Health and Wellness or UPMC Community HealthChoices. If you do not choose, one is picked for you.
5. Work with your plan service coordinator on services.

Have these ready

• Medicare and Medicaid cards
• List of medicines and doctors
• Proof of income and assets
• List of help you need each day

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Same groups as the Consolidated Waiver: people with ID, autism or certain developmental disabilities who meet ICF/IID level of care, with a yearly cost limit.

Start with: Your county mental health/intellectual disabilities (MH/ID) program office (administrative entity) · (888) 565-9435 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Pennsylvania uses the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Call your county MH/ID program office and make an appointment to register.
2. Bring medical, psychological and school records that show the diagnosis.
3. The county decides if you are eligible and you choose a supports coordinator.
4. Your supports coordinator helps you apply for the waiver and for Medical Assistance.
5. If no waiver slot is open, complete a PUNS form to join the waiting list.

Have these ready

• Proof of diagnosis (psychological or medical evaluation)
• School records such as an IEP
• Medicaid card or Medicaid application number
• Social Security number and proof of address
• Guardianship papers, if any

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Same groups as the Consolidated Waiver, with a lower yearly cost limit and self-directed or agency options.

Start with: Your county mental health/intellectual disabilities (MH/ID) program office (administrative entity) · (888) 565-9435 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Pennsylvania uses the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Call your county MH/ID program office and make an appointment to register.
2. Bring medical, psychological and school records that show the diagnosis.
3. The county decides if you are eligible and you choose a supports coordinator.
4. Your supports coordinator helps you apply for the waiver and for Medical Assistance.
5. If no waiver slot is open, complete a PUNS form to join the waiting list.

Have these ready

• Proof of diagnosis (psychological or medical evaluation)
• School records such as an IEP
• Medicaid card or Medicaid application number
• Social Security number and proof of address
• Guardianship papers, if any

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas