What we do

What is TEFRA? 

Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA (or Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982), is a program for children under 19 years old with disabilities and significant medical, developmental or psychiatric needs. The program’s specialized requirements allow some children who would not typically qualify for Medicaid because of family income to receive specific Medicaid benefits. Unlike traditional Medicaid, TEFRA is based soley on the child's income (excluding parental income/assets). 

Eligibility Requirements

1. Children must meet the medical, developmental or psychiatric condition that fits the Supplemental Security Income definition of disability. 
2. Income and resources are used when determining eligibility ― TEFRA is based soley on the child's income (excluding parental income/assets). The child must not be over resources (income/assets) limits set by Medicaid at the time they apply. 
3. Not all children who are determined disabled or have high medical costs qualify for this program.

Where Do I Start?

To begin, contact Blissful Birch! We are happy to walk you through the process step by step to ensure your application has the highest success rate possible. 

What is Waiver and how can it help me?

Alaska currently has five Types of Medicaid Home & Community Based Waivers that support the independence of Alaskans who experience physical  and/or developmental disabilities by providing services in their homes and in the community rather than in an institution such as a nursing home. Each waiver offers a different set of services. Services are determined depending on a person’s age and needs. 

Eligibility Requirements

Waiver programs offer people who meet an institutional level of care the opportunity to receive care in their home and/or community instead of in an institution. The requirements are unique to each "waiver" type. You can learn more about the specific requirements on the State of Alaska's Department of Health Home & Community Based Waiver Programs page.

Where Do I Start?

Call or visit an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or a Developmental Disabilities Resource Connection (DDRC) to identify the types of programs you may qualify for. If you are a person with an intellectual or developmental disability, a DDRC can help you get on a waiting list for waiver services first. If it looks like you will qualify for waiver services, you will be given a list of care coordinators who can help you apply for a waiver. 

What is a Mini Grant?

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority offers a "Mini Grant" program to individuals within all Trust beneficiary groups. This offers up to $2,500 for equipment, supplies and services that would improve the applicant's quality of life, increase independent functioning, and help them attain and maintain healthy and productive lifestyles. A mini grant is based on need and is awarded to an agency on behalf of the beneficiary.

Please note: Trust mini grants must be awarded to beneficiaries through an agency; individuals cannot directly apply or receive grant funds. 

Mini grants are available in the following categories:

• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Behavioral Health
• Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders

Eligibility Requirements/Guidelines

Developmental Disability Mini Grant Eligibility Requirements: applicant must have a diagnosed intellectual/developmental disability or be a youth enrolled in early intervention or infant learning programs.  Developmental Disabilities Mini Grant Guidelines

Behavioral Health Mini Grant Eligibility Requirements: applicant must have a diagnosed mental illness, or have chronic alcoholism and/or other substance related disorders, or have a traumatic head injury resulting in permanent brain injury.  Behavioral Health Mini Grant Guidelines

Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementia: applicants must have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. The application may be submitted by the beneficiary or on behalf of the beneficiary. Documentation of a qualifying Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia condition must be included with the request.  Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementia Grant Guidelines

Where Do I Start?

To begin a Mini Grant Application or to learn more, contact Blissful Birch! We are happy to walk you through the process step by step to ensure your application meets your needs and has the highest success rate possible.