My Voice, My Choice is Idaho’s self-direction program for people on the developmental disabilities waiver. In this program, you are in charge. You get to manage your Medicaid budget and choose the services and supports that work best for you. Being part of this program allows you to hire and manage your own staff and decide the services you need and when and where those services are provided.
My Voice, My Choice
My Choice, My Voice may be right for you if:
- You are eligible for the DD Waiver.
- You want to have more choices and flexibility in your services and supports.
- You want more control over how you spend your Medicaid budget account.
- You want to hire and manage your own workers and hire people you know.
- You understand and are willing to accept the extra risks, responsibilities, and duties.
If you choose self-direction, you don't have to manage your supports alone. You'll have as much or as little help as you need from a support broker, a circle of supports, and a fiscal employer agent. It's your choice. You'll have a budget specific to you, create a support and spending plan, hire workers, and buy goods and services that best meet your needs.
Self Directed Services
If you choose self-direction, you will take a free training called Guide to a Self-Directed Life. This training is for members and their circle of supports to learn more about My Voice, My Choice, Idaho's self-direction program. The training must be completed before starting a self-direction plan and can be taken anytime during the application process. The training is held virtually, and participation requires registration. To sign up, contact your regional Medicaid office at:
| Area | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Region 1: | 1-208-769-1567 | BDDSQA1@dhw.idaho.gov |
| Region 2: | 1-208-799-4430 | BDDSQA2@dhw.idaho.gov |
| Region 3: | 1-208-334-0940 | BDDSQA3@dhw.idaho.gov |
| Region 4: | 1-208-334-0940 | BDDSQA4@dhw.idaho.gov |
| Region 5: | 1-208-736-3024 | BDDSQA5@dhw.idaho.gov |
| Region 6: | 1-208-239-6260 | BDDSQA6@dhw.idaho.gov |
| Region 7: | 1-208-528-5750 | BDDSQA7@dhw.idaho.gov |
You'll hire a support broker to help you identify your needs and create a support and spending plan. The support broker can also help you with other duties such as finding and hiring community support workers and reviewing your monthly budget account report.
To find a list of support brokers in your area, visit support broker list
Once you have chosen a support broker, fill out and submit a Plan Developer/Support Broker Choice Form. This form is submitted to the independent assessment provider.
For more information on what a support broker does and how to become a support broker, visit the support broker website.
You'll need to sign up with a fiscal employer agent (FEA) to help you pay for your supports, services, and goods. The FEA will hold and issue payments from your budget. The FEA manages hiring paperwork and calculates and issues payment for taxes for community support workers. The FEA will keep track of the balance of your budget account and send a monthly statement.
There are four fiscal employer agents in Idaho:
You'll pick people who can help and encourage you. You'll have a person-centered planning (PCP) meeting, where your circle of support (COS) will help you identify your goals and needs.
You'll choose and hire the staff you want to provide you services. Your support broker can help you if needed. You choose your CSWs, and you can change them at any time. You set their schedule. You choose what supports they will provide for you.
With the help of your support broker and circle of support, you'll create a Support and Spending Plan (SSP). This plan lists the services, supports, and goods that you need to help you reach your goals. Once your SSP is approved by the department, you can start receiving self-direction services.
Applying for services
For more information on accessing or applying for these services, visit Apply for Developmental Disability Services.
Self-Direction updates and correspondence
The Bureau of Developmental Disability Services issues updates that provide information on changes, clarification, or guidance on the program. Please visit the self-direction updates library for the most current information.
Traditional Services
If self-direction isn't right for you, another option is traditional developmental disability services. If you qualify for the DD waiver, you can pick this option. With traditional services, you still get to choose who provides your services, where you receive them, and when they happen, but you don’t have to manage a budget or hire staff yourself.
For more information, visit Traditional Support Services.