Information, Referral and Resources
The Arc offers an extensive referral network of information and assistance to families seeking services as well as disability-related information to the general public.
We recommend searching our Resource Guide for its database of local, state and national disability related information. If you need further assistance, please contact info@aogh.org for your needs and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate staff.
Resource Guide for Special Needs
This is a local, state and national resource guide created by the Houston chapter of The Arc. Families and professionals will find a wide range of links to information about specific disabilities, health and human services, respite programs, employment opportunities, advocacy organizations and many other reference needs.
Resource Guide
Guardianship Alternatives
The Arc of Texas has information available in both English and Spanish https://www.thearcoftexas.org/alternatives-to-guardianship/
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities also has information that can be downloaded
http://www.tcdd.texas.gov/resources/guardianship-alternatives/#Supported_Decision-Making
Disability Rights Texas
http://www.disabilityrightstx.org/files/What_is_SDM_-_SDM1.pdf
Special Education Resources
(student rights, laws and sample documents for requesting services)
English and Spanish (coming soon)
https://www.thearcoftexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IDEA-Manual-2016_Search_BoxREV.pdf - The manual incorporates Federal and state laws including, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) last reauthorized in 2004, current Federal regulations and current state laws through the 2011 Texas legislative session.
Information on Texas Medicaid Waiver Program Interest List
Directly quoted from: http://medicaidwaiver.org/state/texas.html
What state department handles the Medicaid waiver program for persons with disabilities in Texas? The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services handles the waivers for persons with disabilities.
What programs assist people who have developmental disabilities in Texas?
1.) The Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) program, call 1-877-438-5658
2.)The Home and Community-based Services (HCS)
What is the best number to call to get started? Call the Medicaid Hotline at
1-800-252-8263 OR, your local DAD's office - http://www.dads.state.tx.us/services
Is there a website? http://www.dads.state.tx.us
2017 Update: Transition to Managed Care in Texas
Many Texans with disabilities will transition from traditional Medicaid to Medicaid managed care and how you receive your health care could change.
Who has already transitioned?
Some Texans have already made the transition. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) over 21-years-old began to receive acute care (medical) services through the STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care program on September 1, 2014. Children and young adults up to 21-years-old, who either receive Social Security Income (SSI) or participate in a waiver program, began to receive their medical benefits from the STAR Kids managed care program on November 1, 2016.
Upcoming transitions to Medicaid managed care
The information below includes the dates and details of future changes that could affect people with disabilities in Texas.
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September 1, 2020 — Parts of the Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver are expected to become entitlement services in the STAR+PLUS program. People with I/DD with incomes up to 100% of SSI are expected to have access to some long-term services and supports without a wait. The full list of services included as entitlements are currently unknown. Note: The previous date for this change was September 1, 2018. HB 3295 (85th Texas Legislature, 2017) established the new date.
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September 1, 2021 — Parts of the Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), and Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) waiver programs are expected to roll into the STAR+PLUS managed care program.
Source: TCDD July 2017
Managed Care STAR+PLUS
STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid managed care program for people who have disabilities or are age 65 or older (https://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/medicaid/managed-care/mmc/starplus-expansion/) . People in STAR+PLUS get Medicaid health-care and long-term services and support through a medical plan that they choose. If you are covered by both Medicare and Medicaid (also known as “dual eligible”) and you join STAR+PLUS, you will keep getting regular health-care services through your Medicare doctor. STAR+PLUS does not change the way you get Medicare services. Star+Plus Expanded statewide on September 1, 2014 to include people over the age of 18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities who now receive their basic health services (acute care) through a STAR+PLUS health plan. Services provided through the Community Based Alternatives (CBA) program are now provided through the STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Initial enrollment into the Star+Plus Program is handled by Maximus:www.maximus.com; Regional Manager: Elva Caballero
281-260-9871
Harris Service Area includes: Austin, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, and Wharton counties
Medical Plans available for Harris Service Area are:
Amerigroup, Molina Healthcare of Texas, United Healthcare Community Plan
Amerigroup:
Online directory: https://providers.amerigroup.com/pages/providerdirectory.aspx
Service Coordination direct line: 1-866-696-0710
Molina Healthcare:
Online directory: https://providersearch.molinahealthcare.com/Provider/ProviderSearch?RedirectFrom=MolinaStaticWeb&memstate=tx&State=tx&Coverage=medicaid
Service Coordination direct line: 1-866-409-0039
United Healthcare:
Online directory:http://www.uhccommunityplan.com/content/dam/communityplan/plandocuments/providerdirectory/TX_Star_Plus_Provider_Directory_Harris.pdf
Service Coordination direct line: 1-800-349-0550