NOW and COMP

The New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) provide home- and community-based services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) administers Medicaid and oversees these waiver programs. Day-to-day operations are managed by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Division of Developmental Disabilities.

The DBHDD central office handles statewide administration, while six regional offices manage local operations, including:

  • Intake and evaluation
  • Service preauthorization
  • Utilization management
  • Crisis response
  • Quality management
  • Support for service delivery concerns

Access NOW and COMP Services

Start the process to receive home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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These programs serve individuals with intellectual disabilities or closely related conditions, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or other neurological disorders. Eligible individuals must require a level of care typically provided in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) for individuals with I/DD.

More than 12,000 Georgians currently receive services through the NOW and COMP programs.

Services Available

Services may include:

  • Adult dental, nursing, and therapy services (occupational, physical, speech)
  • Behavioral support services (levels I and II)
  • Community access and living supports
  • Community residential alternative services (COMP only)
  • Environmental and vehicle modifications
  • Financial support and individual-directed goods and services
  • Interpreter and natural support training services
  • Nutrition and pre-vocational services
  • Respite care (in- and out-of-home)
  • Specialized medical equipment and supplies
  • Support coordination (including intensive coordination)
  • Supported employment
  • Transportation services
  • Purpose of the NOW Program

    NOW supports individuals with less intensive needs, helping them remain in their homes or live independently in the community.

    Goals of the NOW Program

    • Promoting independence and improving quality of life
    • Preventing the need for more intensive services
    • Increasing flexibility in service planning
    • Supporting participant-directed services
    • Ensuring health, safety, and well-being
  • Purpose of the COMP Program

    COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs and often provides residential support or high-level in-home services.

    Its primary goal is to help individuals avoid institutional care by offering comprehensive, community-based support. It also supports individuals transitioning from institutional settings to community living.

    Goals of the COMP Program

    • Preventing institutional placement
    • Supporting independence and quality of life
    • Assisting with transitions to community living
    • Expanding opportunities for participant-directed services
    • Ensuring health, safety, and well-being

Eligibility

Individuals may qualify for NOW or COMP if they meet the level of care required for an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF-I/DD) and are eligible for Medicaid.

To qualify, individuals must:

  • Be eligible for Medicaid
  • Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or related condition
  • Require or be at risk of requiring ICF-level care
  • Be appropriate for home- and community-based services as an alternative to institutional care