8-001.02C2 State Subsidy
479 NAC 8-001.02C2
The funding source for this assistance is state general fund appropriation. It may include one or more of the following:
1. Maintenance: Monthly payment to adoptive parent to assist in meeting the child's day-to-day needs. It is not intended to finance long-term plans (e.g., college). The amount must be less than the payment would be if the child had remained in foster care through the Department;
2. Medicaid and Payment for Pre-existing Medical: The child may receive Medicaid if s/he:
a. Has a documented pre-existing medical need which is a barrier to adoption; and
b. Was receiving or was eligible to receive Medicaid before execution of the adoption agreement.
When a child whose subsidy includes child care is approaching the age of 13, the worker must discuss with the family the ongoing need for payment for this service. If there is no special need, as defined in 392 NAC 1-003, or if the subsidy agreement states that child care payments will end upon the 13th birthday, the worker must end the child care authorization.
Payment for care for a pre-existing medical condition is paid from non-Medicaid funds only if the care is not covered under the Medicaid program or no Medicaid provider is available in the community.
Payment is made to providers for medical or mental health care or treatment related to pre-existing medical or mental health needs which were identified and documented on the subsidy agreement before the decree. This care may include psychiatric, psychological, and mental health services, inpatient hospitalization, and care needed to teach basic life skills, sustain life, or maintain a physical/medical condition, as well as medications and prostheses. It does not include vocational training.
The care or treatment must be medically necessary and provided:
a. By a medical practitioner or qualified mental health professional and/or prescribed by a physician; and
b. In the least restrictive, most family-like setting appropriate to meet the child's needs, as determined by the Department.
3. Special Service: Special services are payments made for a specific service or item related to the child's need(s) and for a specified time period. They can be one-time only in nature. Special services may be covered only if other resources or programs are not available to provide them. These services may include, but are not limited to -
a. Legal fees for the adoption (may include services of an attorney to terminate parental rights, if this is occurring as a part of the adoption proceeding). The maximum amount to be paid must be specified on the subsidy agreement.
b. Costs of integrating the child into the adoptive family, including items such as furniture for three or more siblings placed together or where specially designed furniture is required because of a child's disability, or training for adoptive parents in parenting a special-needs child. The maximum amount to be paid must be specified on the subsidy agreement;
c. Expenses related to modifying a home to accommodate a special-needs child, such as a ramp or widening of doors. The maximum amount to be paid must be specified on the subsidy agreement; or
d. Expenses for transportation, lodging, and meals for the child and one parent for the child to receive medical care/treatment for a pre-existing condition. Amounts paid will be no more than those used for child welfare foster care. (See 479 NAC 2-002.03.) The condition must have been documented before finalization, but the medical care/treatment itself need not be included for coverage.
{2/23/04}