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Registry of Unmet Needs

The Registry of Unmet Needs is the waitlist for the NC Innovations Waiver. Learn how to apply and what to expect while on the waitlist.

The NC Innovations Waiver is a health plan for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in North Carolina. The NC Innovations Waiver is designed to help individuals and their families receive services and supports in their home and communities to live well.

The North Carolina General Assembly decides how many people receive these services, commonly called Waiver slots. This list is called the Registry of Unmet Needs or the Innovations Waitlist.

Waiver slots are assigned based on two factors:

  1. The date/time someone is placed on the Registry of Unmet Needs.
  2. The number of people already receiving NC Innovations Services in their county.

While on the waitlist, there are other services that may be available in your community.

What is the Registry of Unmet Needs?

The Registry of Unmet Needs is the waitlist for the NC Innovations Waiver.  It is a list of people who are eligible to receive the NC Innovations Waiver but are waiting for funding from the state legislature to become available. It is commonly referred to as the Registry or the Innovations Waitlist.

Who is eligible for the Registry of Unmet Needs?

  • People who have a documented diagnosis of an intellectual disability and/or a significant developmental disability or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
  • People who have substantial limitations in at least three of six major life activity areas (self-care, understanding and using language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living).
  • People who need waiver services in order to continue living in the community or to move out of an institutional setting such as an ICF/IID Group Home, State Developmental Center or Adult Care Home.

How can you apply?

To start the process of applying for the NC Innovations Waiver call our Registry Workgroup Line at 1-833-780-2587 or email us at IDDRegistry@partnersbhm.org.

What can you expect when calling the Registry Line?

Registry Specialists are available by phone during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to answer questions. Translation services are available to non-English speaking callers. If you call after-hours, you may leave a voicemail with your contact information and a Registry Specialist will call you back the next business day.

What to expect during the telephonic screening for the Registry of Unmet Needs?

If you are referred to the Registry of Unmet Needs, here’s what happens next:

  1. You or your legal guardian will schedule a screening assessment over the phone. It takes about an hour and a half (90 minutes). This assessment is required by the Waiver to be placed on the Registry.
  2. You will be asked to send documentation (see examples below) to support your intellectual/developmental disability diagnosis and proof of the diagnosis before the age of 18.
  3. You will receive a letter that describes your status on the Registry of Unmet Needs waitlist.
  4. As you wait for a slot to open, you may qualify for other services outside of the NC Innovations Waiver. Contact the Registry Line at 1-833-780-2587 to discuss these services.

What documents will you need to submit for the Registry of Unmet Needs?

You will need documentation from a clinical professional which supports you or your loved one’s diagnosis. You will also need an assessment that describes your daily functioning level. Below is a list of documents that typically have this type of information. You may need more than one of these documents:

  • Psychological evaluation
  • Adaptive testing
  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Assessments for vocational rehabilitation (employment support)
  • Medical records
  • Guardianship papers

To find out what other documents you may need to submit, contact the Registry Line at 1-833-780-2587 or email us at IDDRegistry@partnersbhm.org.

How many people are waiting to get on NC Innovations Waiver?

The numbers may change on a regular basis, but Partners keeps a waiting list of how many people are on the Registry. The length of time someone is on the waitlist depends on the county in which you or your loved one lives. If you would like to know the date you were added to the Registry of Unmet Needs, you may contact a Registry Specialist at 1-833-780-2587. The number of individuals on the waitlist as of January 1, 2022, can be seen here.

You may be eligible for other services while you wait for an NC Innovations Waiver Slot:

  • Medicaid 1915 (b)(3) Services – Sometimes Partners has funds left over due to cost savings. We use these funds to supply additional services for individuals and families who qualify for Medicaid. Partners calls these (b)(3) services. These services include:
    • Supported Employment – Assists individuals 16 or older with finding, getting and keeping a job.
    • Community Navigator – Helps with creating relationships in the community by building social, coping and relationship skills using natural and community resources. It is designed to increase independence.
    • Respite – Provides support and relief to unpaid caregivers. Enables the primary caregivers to go to planned or unplanned events. A trained professional provides health, nutrition and daily living needs.
  • Long-Term Community Supports (LTCS) – Adults aged 22 and over with Medicaid and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are potentially eligible for ICF-IID or Innovations Waiver supports. Click here to view the service definition information.

How will I find out if a slot becomes available?

We will contact you by phone and mail. If we can’t reach you after a certain time, you may be taken off the Registry of Unmet Needs. It is important for you to follow up with our Registry Specialists if they try to contact you. Make sure your contact information is always up to date.

What should I do if I move?

If you are moving to another county within the Partners’ coverage area, you should contact the Registry Workgroup Line so your contact information can be updated and remain current. If you are moving outside of the Partners’ coverage area but remain in the state of North Carolina, call the Registry Line to update your current address. The Registry Specialist will send a letter of transfer to your new managing LME/MCO. This will allow the new LME/MCO to place you on their Registry with the original date and time you or your loved one were added to the Registry of Unmet Needs. This will keep you from having to start over with a new date. If you move outside of the state of North Carolina, you will be removed from the Registry.

Updated: March 6, 2023

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