What is CLASS?
CLASS provides home and community-based services to individuals with related conditions as a cost-effective alternative to an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions (ICF/IID). A case management agency (CMA) and a direct services agency (DSA) help CLASS Program individuals in organizing various services needed to achieve maximum levels of independence. Services provided are based on the unique needs of the individual and on an individual plan of care (IPC) developed by the service planning team, which includes (at a minimum) the individual, the case manager, and DSA representative.
Who can get CLASS? CLASS services are available to Texas residents not living in an institutional setting who:
- Have been diagnosed with a related condition prior to age 22 as described in the Texas Approved Diagnostic Codes for Persons with Related Conditions.
- Have a qualifying adaptive behavior level.
- Meet the level-of-care criteria for placement in an ICF/IID.
- Do not exceed specified income and resource limits.
- Are not enrolled in any other Medicaid waiver program.
- Demonstrate need for one or more services monthly.
The diagnosis may be due to a condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, epilepsy, head injuries, or any of the approved diagnoses for related conditions. Individuals must also exhibit substantial functional limitation in at least three of the following areas of major life activities:
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-care
- Language
- Self-direction (age 10 and over)
- Independent living (age 10 and over)
Individuals must be eligible for or be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Financial eligibility is determined by the Social Security Administration or by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) using SSI-related criteria. Note: CLASS services may not be available right away. The applicant’s name may be placed on an interest list and then contacted when services become available.
What services can CLASS provide?
Services are determined based on the individual’s specific needs and how the needs relate to the individual’s diagnosis. Services must be cost-effective and not available through another program or resource. These needs may include:
- Adaptive Aids
- Auditory Integration / Auditory Enhancement Training
- Behavioral Support
- Case Management
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy
- Continued Family Services
- Dental Treatment
- Dietary
- Employment Assistance
- Transportation-Habilitation
- Minor Home Modifications
- Texas Health and Human Services (hhs.texas.gov)
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Prevocational Services
- Community First Choice (CFC)
- Supported Employment
- Specialized Therapies
- Personal Assistance Services (PAS/HAB)
- Respite (in-home and out-of-home)
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Support Family Services
- Transition Assistance Services
CLASS can also provide personal assistance services, habilitation, and emergency response services through the CFC Program to individuals who live in their own home or family home. Individuals can also receive unlimited prescriptions through the managed care organization providing acute care services.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
With our dedicated healthcare professionals, we see to it that your loved ones are receiving the care and assistance they need. If you have questions or want to avail of our services, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time of your convenience.