The YES Waiver for Medicaid Members: What You Need to Know

What is the YES Waiver? The Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Wavier is a Medicaid program that helps youth ages 3-18 years old with serious developmental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. The YES waiver provides intensive services delivered within a strengths-based team planning process called wraparound. Wraparound builds on family and community support to build a family’s natural support network and connection with the community. The goal of the YES Waiver is to prevent out of home placement. It is a short-term waiver that lasts 6-18 months, dependent on the child’s needs. Services include:

• Respite Services
• Community Living Supports
• Specialized Therapies
• Family Supports
• Employment Assistance and Supported Employment
• Adaptive Aids and Supports
• Minor Home Modifications
• Non-medical Transportation
• Paraprofessional Services
• Supportive Family-based Alternatives
• Transition Services

Who is eligible for YES Waiver services? Any child ages 3-18 years old who:

• has serious mental, emotional and behavioral difficulties;
• has a qualifying mental health diagnosis;
• is at risk for placement outside of the home due to mental health needs;
• meets criteria to be in a psychiatric hospital;
• is eligible for Medicaid (parent income is waived); and
• currently lives in a home setting with a legal guardian or on his/her own.

How do I refer a child who meets the above requirements? A child’s legal guardian (or child if independent) can contact the Local Mental Health Authority to request an assessment for The YES waiver program. LMHA contact numbers: The Harris Center – 713-970-7212 Texana – 281-239-1485 Gulf Coast – 409-944-4555 Tri County – 800-347-5208 Spindletop – 409-839-1063 HHSC Inquiry line for all LMHAs – 512-838-4334   Please go to https://hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/childrens-mental-health/yes-waiver for more information on the YES Waiver.