Getting Connected with PMH Services - Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services

Passavant Memorial Homes (PMH) offers a variety of services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs to thrive within their communities.

Funding for these services is provided through state and federal waiver programs. A waiver is a funding stream that the government will provide to an individual when they qualify for services and support. According to the Department of Human Services (DHS), “Waivers offer an array of services and benefits such as choice of qualified providers, due process, and health and safety assurances.”

Waivers and Eligibility

PMH provides services under the Consolidated Waiver, Person/Family Directed Support (PFDS) Waiver, and Adult Autism Waiver (AAW).

Consolidated Waiver and PFDS Waiver

DHS states, “The Pennsylvania Consolidated Waiver [and] Person/Family Directed Support Waiver is designed to help individuals with an intellectual disability, autism, or developmental disability to live more independently in their homes and communities and to provide a variety of services that promote community living, including self-directed service models and traditional, agency-based service models.”

There is no age limit for individuals with an intellectual disability or autism. Individuals with a developmental disability with a high probability of resulting in an intellectual disability or autism are eligible from age 0 through 8.
Level of Care: Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis of an intellectual disability, autism, or developmental disability
Recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation
Determined eligible for Medical Assistance
Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office
PFDS Waiver: Individual cost limit of $41,000 per person per fiscal year excludes Supports Coordination and Supports Broker Services. The limit can be exceeded by $15,000 for Advanced Supported Employment or Supported Employment services.
Contact DHS Disability Services at 1-800-753-8827 for more information on the Consolidated Waiver/PFDS Waiver and eligibility.

Adult Autism Waiver

DHS states, “The Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) is a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver designed to provide long-term services and supports for community living, tailored to the specific needs of adults age 21 or older with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program is designed to help adults with ASD participate in their communities in the way they want to, based upon their identified needs.”

Be age 21 or older
Have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Meet Functional Eligibility: Must have substantial functional limitations in three or more of the major life activities: self-care; understanding and use of receptive and expressive language; learning; mobility; self-direction; capacity for independent living
Meet Level of Care (LOC) guideline
Meet the income and resource limits for Medical Assistance
Financial eligibility is based on 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate
Contact the DHS Adult Autism Program at 1-866-539-7689 for more information on the AAW and eligibility.

For additional information on waivers and eligibility, please click here to visit the DHS website.

Process for Getting Connected with Services at Passavant Memorial Homes

Getting Connected with the County

If you feel you are eligible for services, contact the County in which you or the individual you are representing resides in. The county will determine a person’s eligibility for service funding. If found eligible, they will connect you with a Supports Coordination Unit. You can begin this process as soon as five years before services are needed. Connecting to your county: https://www.hcsis.state.pa.us/hcsis-ssd/

Getting Connected with Supports Coordination

A Support Coordinator (SC) is an advocate for the individual, their family members,
and their support systems. The individual and/or family has the right to choose this person. The SC will explain the types of supports and services that would be most helpful. The SC will help develop the Individual Support Plan (ISP). The SC will connect you to the agencies in the community that could support you. The SC will coordinate and monitor supports and services. The SC will help you to complete the PUNS.

Completion of the PUNS

PUNS: Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services. PUNS information helps the county and the state understand and plan for what you need and when you will need it. The PUNS form is completed face-to-face with your SC. The information is then put into the state database, the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) by the SC. You will receive a copy in the mail.

Prioritization Categories:

EMERGENCY means you need support immediately (within the next 6 months).
CRITICAL means you will need support within the next 2 years.
PLANNING means you need support in more than 2 but less then 5 years from now.

Preparing for Funding

You and your SC will update your PUNS at least once every year for as long as needed. The waiting time is based off of the counties allocation of funding and the level of immediacy you indicate on the PUNS. Supports and Intensity Scale (SIS) Assessment – Above the age of 14, the Supports and Intensity Scale Assessment will be complete and updated every 5 years, or as necessary. Educate yourself by touring providers and options and continuing to advocate for your loved one. Connect with supports within your community such as advocacy groups, support networks, and clubs and organizations.

Services Offered at Passavant Memorial Homes

For a full list of services and program available at PMH, please click here.

Tour Our Homes

PMHFOS operates more than 140 community residential homes serving the needs of over 400 children and adults within their communities. Take a virtual tour of some of these homes!

Contact Us for More Information

For referral assistance and more information on getting connected with services at PMH, please email admissions@passavant.org or fill out the form below. Someone from our program team will reach out promptly to answer any questions and provide more information. Thank you!