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Eligibility & Enrollment

Here's how to get started.

Eligibility and enrollment can feel complicated. We've worked through it with hundreds of families — and we'll walk through it with you, too.

Who Qualifies

The basics

To participate in COI programs, you generally need to meet these criteria:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Documented intellectual or developmental disability (IDD)
  • NC Medicaid eligibility (for most state-funded programs)
  • Caldwell County resident (or neighboring county with prior authorization)

Specific eligibility for each program — ADVP, Day Supports, or Innovations Waiver services — depends on which funding source applies. Our intake coordinator can confirm in a 10-minute conversation.

Intake conversation with family
The Process

Five steps from "I'm curious" to "first day"

Most families go through this in 4-8 weeks. Some go faster, some slower — we go at your pace.

Reach out

Call (828) 757-5680 or send a message. No paperwork yet — just a conversation about what you're looking for.

Confirm funding

We help you understand which funding source applies — Innovations, LTCS, ADVP, or private pay — and what's needed to access it.

Tour our campus

Visit our College Avenue facility. Meet the staff. See the rooms. Get a feel for whether it's the right place.

Complete intake

Person-centered assessment, paperwork, coordination with the participant's care team and LME-MCO.

Start with Step 1
Documents

What to gather

Don't worry about having everything before you call — we'll help you assemble it. This is what eventually goes into a complete intake packet.

For the participant

  • ✓ Photo ID or birth certificate
  • ✓ Social Security card
  • ✓ Medicaid card
  • ✓ IDD diagnosis documentation
  • ✓ Current Individual Support Plan (ISP), if applicable
  • ✓ Medication list
  • ✓ Emergency contact information

For the family / guardian

  • ✓ Guardianship documentation (if applicable)
  • ✓ Power of attorney (if applicable)
  • ✓ Care coordinator contact info
  • ✓ Insurance information
  • ✓ Transportation needs / address
Funding Sources

How services are paid for

Most participants pay nothing out of pocket. Here's how the funding actually works.

Medicaid Waiver

NC Innovations Waiver

The most individualized funding source — covers Community Networking, Day Supports, Supported Employment, Respite, and Personal Care. Approval is managed by your LME-MCO and there is a waitlist (Registry of Unmet Needs).

State Funded

Long Term Community Supports (LTCS)

State-funded day services for individuals not yet on the Innovations Waiver. Often a bridge while families are on the waitlist.

State Funded

Adult Developmental Vocational Program (ADVP)

State funding specifically for vocational training. Administered through your LME-MCO.

Out of Pocket

Private Pay

Available for families who prefer private payment or are between funding approvals. Contact us for a current rate sheet.

FAQ

Common questions about eligibility

What if my loved one isn't on the Innovations Waiver yet?
You may still qualify for LTCS or ADVP, which are state-funded and don't require Innovations approval. Many of our participants start with these services while pursuing waiver approval.
How long does enrollment take?
From first call to first day, most families enroll in 4-8 weeks — depending on funding source, documentation, and the participant's schedule. We move at your pace.
Can my loved one start before all paperwork is complete?
Sometimes — for visits or assessments. Active program participation requires complete documentation and funding authorization. We'll be transparent with you about timing.
What if we don't live in Caldwell County?
We primarily serve Caldwell County residents. Out-of-county placements are sometimes possible with prior authorization from the relevant LME-MCO. Call us — we can walk through whether it's an option.
Who is the LME-MCO for our area?
Caldwell County is served by Vaya Health. If you're moving in from another area, you may currently be with Partners Health or another LME-MCO; we can help you understand the transition.
What if my loved one needs higher levels of support than COI can provide?
We're honest about who we serve well. If a participant needs services we can't safely deliver, we'll tell you — and help connect you with providers better matched to those needs.

Ready to start the conversation?

Talk to our intake coordinator — no commitment, no paperwork, just answers to your questions.

Contact Intake Call (828) 757-5680