What is a care manager?

A care manager is someone who helps individuals with developmental delays or mental health challenges access the services they qualify for. Families may seek this kind of help after receiving a diagnosis or hearing concerns from a teacher or doctor. 

In the OPWDD system, care management is typically provided through a Care Coordination Organization (CCO). The care manager works in partnership with service providers, like Hamaspik, to coordinate support and ensure services are aligned with the individual’s needs.

Care managers play a crucial role in helping individuals access support. Care management is required for an individual to be approved for OPWDD waiver services, including HCBS, respite, community habilitation, day habilitation, and other OPWDD services.

To qualify for care management, an individual must have Medicaid. If an individual doesn’t yet have Medicaid, the CCO’s enrollment specialist can submit the request for services and assist the individual with enrolling in Medicaid so they can receive care management and move forward with service approval.

The care manager guides the process: handling paperwork, outlining program options, and ensuring that your child’s supports match their needs. A care manager keeps track of the individual’s information, prepares service plans, and coordinates with providers. For many families, the care manager becomes a source of support and clarity when everything else feels confusing.

The goal is simple: to make sure the right help is in place and nothing falls through the cracks.