What Is Medicaid Service Coordination?
Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) is a Medicaid State Plan service provided by OMRDD which assists persons with developmental disabilities and mental retardation in gaining access to necessary services and supports appropriate to the needs of the individual. MSC is provided by qualified service coordinators and uses a person centered planning process in developing, implementing, and maintaining an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) with and for a person with developmental disabilities or mental retardation. MSC promotes the concepts of choice, individualized services and supports, and consumer satisfaction.
The service coordinator is the staff person who works for the consumer and the family member with disabilities. They are employed by an authorized MSC agency that provides services to people with developmental disabilities. By developing a helping and trusting relationship with the person with disabilities, SC assists the individual in achieving goals and expectations towards a satisfying life.
The service coordinator’s activities fall into three general categories:
- Advocating
- Individualized service planning
- Record keeping
The service coordinator creates a plan, an Individualized Service Plan (ISP), that explains who the person is, what he or she wants and needs, and the supports and services necessary to achieve his or her goals. The focus of all planning is on the interests, desires and needs of the person with disabilities.
The service coordinator is knowledgeable about community resources and how to obtain services. The service coordinator also investigates and arranges for any service that has been identified as necessary. Examples are medical service, housing, day program opportunities, educational support, home modifications, respite, and recreation. Once the service(s) is obtained, the service coordinator ensures that it is properly delivered.
The service coordinator meets with the person with disabilities at least once each month. The visit must take place in the person’s home a minimum of once every three months. Both the consumer and the service coordinator sign a Medicaid Service Coordination Agreement that specifically shows the frequency of monthly contacts and the activities that each have agreed to undertake. This plan is reviewed at least every six months when the ISP is discussed.
Courtesy of: Theresa Anderson
MSC Coordinator – Capital District DDSO
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