The OBRA Waiver is a Pennsylvania Home and Community-Based Services program for eligible people with developmental physical disabilities. Its purpose is to provide supports that can help eligible participants live in the community and remain as independent as possible. New applicants generally must be Pennsylvania residents between ages 18 and 59 and meet specific disability, functional, financial, and level-of-care requirements. The disability must result in substantial limitations in at least three specified major life activities.
The application process looks at both the person’s circumstances and the level of support required to live safely in the community. Once eligibility is established, available services are determined through individualized planning rather than automatically providing every service listed under the waiver.
Who Can Meet OBRA Requirements?
OBRA eligibility includes several requirements related to age, disability, functional limitations, residence, level of care, and finances. Generally, an applicant must:
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania.
- Be age 18 through 59 for new enrollment; individuals already receiving OBRA services may continue after turning 60 while they remain eligible.
- Have a severe developmental physical disability requiring an ICF/ORC level of care.
- Have a disability that causes substantial functional limitations in at least three major life activities, such as self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction, or independent living.
- Have a qualifying other related condition that manifested before age 22 when applicable.
- Meet the applicable financial requirements determined through the Pennsylvania assistance process.
Services Available Through OBRA
OBRA offers a range of home and community-based supports, but an individual receives services based on eligibility, assessed needs, and the approved service plan. Depending on the participant’s circumstances, available services may include:
- Personal assistance services: Help with approved personal and daily living needs.
- Respite services: Temporary support that can provide relief for an unpaid caregiver.
- Community integration: Supports that help eligible participants participate in community life.
- Residential habilitation: Structured support for individuals who require assistance in an appropriate residential setting.
- Non-medical transportation: Transportation support for eligible community activities and needs when authorized.
How to Start an OBRA Application
The OBRA process begins with determining whether the individual appears to meet the program’s requirements. A typical path includes:
Step 1
Contact the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker to discuss OBRA enrollment and request information about the application process.
Step 2
Complete the required application and provide information about the individual’s disability, functional limitations, residence, and financial circumstances.
Step 3
Complete the required clinical or level-of-care assessment to determine whether the individual meets OBRA’s care requirements.
Step 4
Complete the applicable financial eligibility review through Pennsylvania’s assistance system.
Step 5
If eligibility is established, participate in person-centered planning to identify appropriate services and supports.
Step 6
Review the approved service plan and coordinate with authorized providers before services begin.