What Is a Person-Centered Plan?
Your Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is the key to receiving services through your waiver.
If it’s not in one’sPCP, Medicaid will not pay for it.
The PCP:
- Lists all services you’ll receive
- Reflects your needs, goals, and preferences
- Acts as a rights safeguard if you live in a group home or provider-owned setting
What Should Be in Your Plan?
Your PCP should include:
- Your goals (employment, education, health, community involvement)
- Your preferences (daily routine, care schedule, living environment)
- The supports and services you need to live independently
- Whether you want to self-direct your services
- Any restrictions on your rights, along with justifications and timeframes (if applicable)
How Services Are Chosen for Your PCP
Upon Joining a Waiver:
- You’ll get a needs assessment (e.g., ICAP for ID Waiver).
- The assessment must be:
- Face-to-face
- Based on objective criteria
- Given to you in writing
- Your care team uses the results to build your initial PCP.
Updating Your Plan:
You can request changes to your services at any time — no need to wait for annual reviews.
Examples that justify changes:
- Health condition changes
- Moving homes
- New caregiver
- Starting work/school
If your request is denied or underapproved, you’re entitled to a:
- Written explanation
- Citation of relevant laws/regulations
- Notice of your appeal rights
Know Your Rights
Under federal rules (HCBS Settings Rule), you have the right to:
- Lead your own planning meeting
- Choose who attends
- Receive info that’s easy to understand
- Make informed decisions
- Meet at a convenient time/place
- Be free from conflicts of interest
Your PCP must be reviewed:
- At least once every 12 months
- Whenever your needs change
- Anytime you request a review
Self-Direction: Take Control
All Alabama waivers allow self-direction, meaning:
- You control who provides your care
- You get a monthly allowance to hire aides, buy equipment, etc.
- Some waivers allow you to save leftover funds for future needs
If you choose this route, the state must support you in managing it.
HCBS Settings Rule Protections
For those living in group homes or similar settings, your PCP must guarantee:
- A lease or similar legal agreement
- Privacy (including lockable doors)
- Freedom to furnish your space and set your schedule
- Access to food and visitors at any time
- Accessibility of your living environment
If any rights are restricted:
- The restriction must be individualized, justified, and documented
- Must include your informed consent, a clear timeline, and less-restrictive alternatives that were tried first
In Summary: A Good PCP Will…
- Reflect what is important to you
- Help you reach your personal goals
- Adapt as your needs change
- Protect your rights
- Be your strongest tool for independence and community integration
For assistance on better understanding Medicaid Waivers in Alabama, please reach out to Disability Advocacy Solutions.
Disability Advocacy Solutions LLC 