Georgia’s New 3-Tier Waiver Waitlist Explained in Under 3 Minutes
For families navigating the world of Georgia autism resources, the "waitlist" is often a source of significant stress. For years, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has managed a massive backlog of individuals seeking the New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Entitlements Waiver (COMP). Historically, this list has functioned largely on a first-come, first-served basis, leaving families in crisis waiting years for essential support.
However, change is on the horizon. Georgia is moving toward a 3-tier waiver waitlist system designed to prioritize those with the most urgent needs. While the goal is to provide a more equitable distribution of resources, the transition can feel confusing. At Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service (MATS), we believe that clarity is the first step toward effective advocacy.
Here is the breakdown of the new system and what it means for your child’s access to ABA therapy in Georgia.
The Foundation: What Are the NOW and COMP Waivers?
Before diving into the tiers, it is essential to understand what is at stake. The NOW and COMP waivers are Medicaid programs specifically designed for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).
- The NOW Waiver: Provides support for individuals who can remain in their family home or community with specific, targeted services.
- The COMP Waiver: Offers more intensive levels of support, often for individuals with higher medical or behavioral needs who require comprehensive, 24/7 care or supervision.
These waivers are the "gold standard" for funding. They cover everything from community living supports to specialized medical equipment and, crucially, therapeutic interventions.
The Problem with the Current "Planning List"
In Georgia, the waitlist is formally known as the "Planning List." As of early 2026, thousands of Georgians remain on this list. Under the old system, the date you applied was the primary driver of when you received services. This meant a family in immediate crisis: perhaps a single parent dealing with a child’s severe self-injury or a caregiver facing their own health decline: was stuck behind someone whose needs were currently stable but who had simply applied earlier.
The new 3-tier system aims to fix this by categorizing needs based on urgency rather than just "time served" on the list.
Breaking Down the 3 Tiers
The DBHDD proposal restructures the Planning List into three distinct categories. This allows the state to identify exactly who needs help today versus who will need help in the future.
Tier 1: Immediate Need
This tier is reserved for individuals and families in a state of crisis. If a caregiver is no longer able to provide support due to age or illness, or if the individual’s behavioral needs have escalated to a point where the current environment is no longer safe, they are moved to Tier 1.
The Goal: To provide services and funding as quickly as possible to prevent institutionalization or total family breakdown.
Tier 2: Near-Term Need
This category includes individuals who are currently stable but whose needs are expected to change significantly within the next one to five years. This often applies to teenagers transitioning out of the school system or families where a primary caregiver’s ability to provide long-term support is beginning to diminish.
The Goal: To create a predictable timeline for families so they can plan for the transition into adult services without the fear of a sudden "funding cliff" after high school graduation.
Tier 3: Future Need
Tier 3 is for individuals who have a diagnosed disability and will eventually require waiver services but are not currently in a position of urgency. These are often younger children or individuals with strong existing support systems who are looking for long-term security.
The Goal: To maintain a clear record of every Georgian who will eventually need support, ensuring the state can project future budget requirements accurately.
How This Change Impacts ABA Therapy in Georgia
For many families, the primary goal of securing a waiver is to fund intensive ABA therapy in Georgia. Applied Behavior Analysis is the evidence-based gold standard for treating autism and related disorders, but the cost of 30–40 hours of therapy per week can be prohibitive without proper insurance or waiver support.
When the 3-tier system is fully implemented, it may change how families in the Peachtree City area and beyond approach their "waitlist strategy."
- More Accurate Assessments: To be placed in Tier 1 or Tier 2, families will likely need to provide more frequent and detailed documentation of their needs. This includes functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and clinical data.
- Strategic Documentation: If your child’s behaviors are escalating, it is vital to have your BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) or clinical team document these changes. This data becomes the evidence used to move an individual from Tier 3 to Tier 1.
- Bridge Services: While waiting for a waiver, many families utilize Georgia Medicaid’s Autism Benefit. Understanding how to maximize your current Medicaid coverage while waiting for a NOW/COMP waiver is a specialty of our team at Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service.
Is the 3-Tier System Finalized?
It is important to note that as of February 2026, this system is part of a broader push for reform within the DBHDD. While the framework has been proposed and is moving toward implementation, it requires final board approvals and budget allocations from the Georgia General Assembly.
The advocacy community in Georgia has been vocal about the need for this change. By moving away from a static list to a dynamic, needs-based system, the state can finally address the "crisis-only" nature of our current disability services.
What Should Georgia Parents Do Right Now?
If you are a parent of a child with autism or an intellectual disability in Georgia, you cannot afford to "wait and see." Here are the steps you should take immediately:
- Confirm Your Status: Contact your regional DBHDD office to ensure your child is actually on the Planning List. Do not assume that a diagnosis automatically puts you on the list.
- Update Your Information: If you haven't updated your social worker or regional coordinator in the last six months, do so now. If your child’s needs have increased, ensure that is reflected in your file.
- Collect Clinical Data: Keep copies of all recent evaluations, IEPs, and therapy progress reports. If you are seeking Tier 1 or Tier 2 status, this data is your strongest tool.
- Explore Alternative Funding: While waiting for a waiver, ensure you are utilizing the Georgia Medicaid Autism Benefit. If you need help navigating this process, contact us for a consultation.
How MATS Supports Our Georgia Families
At Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service (MATS), we are more than just an ABA provider. We are partners in your child’s long-term success. We understand that navigating the state system is exhausting, and the terminology can feel like a different language.
Our team focuses on Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET). This means we work with your child in the settings where they actually live and play, making our data highly relevant for waiver applications and reauthorizations. We provide the high-quality clinical documentation that state agencies look for when determining the level of need.
If you are in the Peachtree City area or surrounding Georgia communities and need guidance on Georgia autism resources, we are here to help.
Final Thoughts: A Move Toward Progress
The shift to a 3-tier waiver waitlist is a signal that Georgia is finally listening to the needs of the IDD community. While it won't eliminate the waitlist overnight, it provides a much-needed "triage" system that ensures families in the most danger of falling through the cracks are caught first.
Stay informed, keep your documentation sharp, and remember that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.
Are you ready to start ABA therapy or do you need help understanding your child's diagnostic reports?
Visit our Services Page to see how we can support your family today. For more information about our team and our mission, visit our About Us page.
