Home Policy Areas Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities ODP Shares Information on Family Medical Support Assistance
ODP Shares Information on Family Medical Support Assistance
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) issued Announcement 26-045 on April 23, 2026, to provide a reminder and detailed information regarding the Family Medical Support Assistance (FMSA) waiver service and upcoming educational webinars.
Family Medical Support Assistance (FMSA) Overview
- Service Intent: Created in 2022 and approved by CMS, FMSA is designed to relieve families of some of the administrative and coordination responsibilities associated with caring for loved ones with complex medical needs.
- Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for FMSA, individuals must:
- Be in Needs Group 3 or higher;
- Use medically necessary technology;
- Require nursing care; and
- Live in a private home (the service is not available to those in Life Sharing, Supported Living, or Residential Habilitation, as these models already include such support).
Core Service Components
The FMSA service is divided into two primary categories of activity:
- Administrative and Support Coordination: Performed by qualified staff to assist with:
- Scheduling and coordinating medical appointments and transportation;
- Assisting with the acquisition and maintenance of medications, supplies, and equipment;
- Collaborating with Individual Support Plan (ISP) team members; and
- Training staff and unpaid supports on non-medical aspects of the ISP.
- Nursing Oversight: Performed by a licensed nurse, focusing on:
- Clinical assessments of the individual’s medical condition;
- Identifying and providing training related to medically complex conditions for both paid and unpaid caregivers; and
- Consulting directly with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Upcoming Webinars
ODP will host two webinars to explain the service in greater depth and answer questions:
- For Professionals: Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
- For Individuals and Families: Friday, May 29, 2026, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Questions regarding this communication or the FMSA service should be directed to the appropriate ODP Regional Office.
