About the NC Innovations Waiver Waitlist

If you are on the waitlist:

  • Keep your contact information updated. If you moved or changed phone numbers, tell your LME/MCO so they can contact you when a slot is available.
  • Tell your LME/MCO if your needs have increased since you applied. People who have extraordinary circumstances or emergencies may be eligible to skip the waitlist.
  • Consider applying for 1915(i) services while you wait. NC Medicaid 1915(i) offers similar services to the NC Innovations waiver, like help with daily activities and job coaching. There is no waitlist for enrollment. Your spot on the Innovations waitlist will not change.

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The NC Innovations waiver is funded by the North Carolina General Assembly. Due to limited funding, there is a long waitlist, which used to be called the Registry of Unmet Needs (or RUN).

Each LME/MCO manages their own waitlist

The NC Innovations waiver is managed by Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs). For questions about the waitlist, contact the LME/MCO that serves your county:

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.

LME/MCOs are unable to predict anyone's exact wait time. NC Innovations waiver slots only become available when someone on the waiver no longer needs services or when the North Carolina General Assembly adds funding.

Waitlists are organized by county and date of application

Each county has its own waitlist. People who have been on the waitlist the longest will usually be served first.

To see waitlist counts by county, visit the Innovations Waitlist Dashboard.

People with extraordinary circumstances may be able to skip the waitlist

A limited number of slots are reserved for those with extraordinary circumstances or emergencies. These are called “reserve slots.”

If you have an extraordinary circumstance: Talk to your LME/MCO to see if you are eligible for a reserve slot, especially if your situation has changed since you applied.

You will be contacted when a slot is available

Your LME/MCO will contact you by phone and mail when a slot is available for you.

Moved or changed numbers? Tell your LME/MCO your new information so you can be contacted about slot openings. They will also make sure you are on the correct waitlist for your county.

Learn more about the process after the waitlist:

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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