Disability services in North Dakota

Children from birth through age 20 with autism spectrum disorder who meet the waiver's level of care rules (age raised from 17 to 20 by a 2025 amendment).

Start with: ND HHS Medical Services Division, Autism Services · 1-800-755-2604 or 701-328-4630 · Website (opens in a new tab)

The ASD waiver has a capped number of slots (an amendment proposed 400 a year with 345 active at a time), so there can be a wait. North Dakota reported 300 children waiting for autism waiver services in KFF's 2026 state data.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Contact HHS Autism Services at 1-800-755-2604 or dhsautism@nd.gov and ask how to apply for the ASD waiver.
2. Send records of your child's autism diagnosis.
3. Apply for Medicaid for your child if needed.
4. Ask if your child is placed on a waitlist and how you will be contacted.
5. Work with the service manager (case manager) when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Autism diagnosis report
• School or early intervention records
• Child's Social Security number
• Proof of North Dakota address

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North Dakota Medicaid members with a qualifying behavioral health diagnosis dated in the last 12 months and a WHODAS score of 25 or more or a DLA-20 score of 5 or less.

Start with: ND HHS 1915(i) program (Medicaid application plus a 1915(i) care coordinator) · 701-328-7068 or 1-800-755-2604 (1915(i) navigator) · Website (opens in a new tab)

1915(i) is a Medicaid state plan benefit, so there is no waitlist; eligibility is reviewed about every 12 months.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Apply for North Dakota Medicaid if you do not have it.
2. Fill out the 1915(i) application (form SFN 741) with your diagnosis records.
3. Get a WHODAS or DLA-20 assessment.
4. Choose a 1915(i) care coordinator in your county.
5. Make a plan of care and choose services.

Have these ready

• Medicaid ID
• Behavioral health diagnosis record from the last 12 months
• Assessment score (WHODAS or DLA-20)
• Contact information for current providers

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People of any age with an intellectual disability, developmental disability or related condition who meet ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: HHS Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DD Program Management) for your county · Website (opens in a new tab)

North Dakota reported no one waiting for I/DD waiver services in KFF's 2026 state data. Ask your regional DD office if services can start right away.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Find the DD Regional Office for your county.
2. Call or email that office and ask to apply for developmental disabilities services.
3. Send records that show the diagnosis.
4. Apply for North Dakota Medicaid if you do not have it.
5. Meet with your DD program manager to plan waiver services.

Have these ready

• Proof of diagnosis (psychological or medical evaluation)
• School records such as an IEP
• Medicaid card or Medicaid application number
• Social Security number and proof of address
• Guardianship papers, if any

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Children who are medically fragile and would otherwise need a nursing home or hospital. A 2025 amendment proposed raising the age range from 3 to 18 up to age 21.

Start with: ND HHS Medical Services Division (Children's Waiver Services) · (800) 755-2604 · Website (opens in a new tab)

The waiver has a capped number of slots (an amendment proposed 75 a year with 50 active at a time).

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call ND HHS Medical Services at 1-800-755-2604 and ask about the Medically Fragile Children's Waiver.
2. Send your child's medical records.
3. Apply for Medicaid for your child if needed.
4. Complete the level of care review.
5. Work with the case manager when a slot is open.

Have these ready

• Child's medical records
• List of nursing and equipment needs
• Child's Social Security number
• Proof of North Dakota address

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Children with a life-limiting diagnosis who need hospice-type care at home and meet the waiver's level of care.

Start with: ND HHS Medical Services Division (Children's Waiver Services) · (800) 755-2604 · Website (opens in a new tab)

North Dakota reported no one waiting for medically fragile children's waivers in KFF's 2026 state data. Slots are limited, so ask HHS about openings.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call ND HHS Medical Services at 1-800-755-2604 and ask about the Children's Hospice Waiver.
2. Ask your child's doctor for records of the diagnosis.
3. Apply for Medicaid for your child if needed.
4. Complete the level of care review.
5. Choose providers with your case manager.

Have these ready

• Doctor's records of the diagnosis
• List of care needs
• Child's Social Security number
• Proof of North Dakota address

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas