How to Apply for the NC Innovations Waiver

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Apply for the NC Innovations waiver as soon as you have a diagnosis.

Even though the wait may be long, we encourage you to apply today, especially if services may be needed in the future. For examples of eligible diagnoses and conditions, please review the eligibility guidelines.

Call your LME/MCO to apply

Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCO) are organizations that manage the NC Innovations waiver. There are four different LME/MCOs in North Carolina, and they each cover different counties.

1. Find the LME/MCO that serves your county. Use the LME/MCO directory or call the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Customer Service Team at 1-855-262-1946. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. Call and ask to apply for the NC Innovations waiver. The application used to be called the “Registry of Unmet Needs application,” and they may refer to it under that name.

LME/MCOs:

3. They will guide you through the process. Based on your specific situation, they may ask for other documentation like medical records.

After you apply

You will receive a letter in a few weeks to let you know if you are added to the waitlist:

  • If you are added to the waitlist: Be sure to save your acceptance letter. You may need to refer to it later.
  • If you are denied: You can choose to appeal the decision. An appeal form will be included with the letter, or you can call your LME/MCO.

Get services while you wait

People with NC Medicaid may be eligible to get similar services while they wait for the NC Innovations waiver. These are called “1915(i) services,” and they include:

  • Help with daily activities
  • Job coaching
  • Help to move out of a care facility to your own home
  • Breaks for you and your caregivers

Ask your LME/MCO if you are eligible for 1915(i) services.

About the Waitlist

Or learn about what happens when you get a waiver slot

Need help?

For questions about the NC Innovations Waiver:
Call the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) that serves your county. These organizations manage the NC Innovations waiver.

Not sure who to call? Use the LME/MCO directory or call the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Customer Service Team at 1-855-262-1946. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If your LME/MCO has not been able to solve your problem, or if you need help understanding NC Medicaid: Call the NC Medicaid Ombudsman at 1-877-201-3750. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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