The Specialized Services Branch implements and manages the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Medicaid reimbursement program for health related services, service coordination and transportation service for Medicaid eligible infants and toddlers and children with disabilities. 

Branch staff administers the Autism Waiver, provides training, technical assistance and monitoring for Autism Waiver service coordinators and providers working with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  Staff provides technical assistance to school based Medicaid providers and with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene monitors the Medicaid school-based services offered by local school systems, special education nonpublic schools and other agencies for compliance with federal and State requirements for Medicaid.  The Branch manages the Intergovernmental Transfer of State funds to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  Updates on federal and State regulations that impact Medicaid reimbursements to local school systems, local lead agencies and nonpublic schools are distributed to Medicaid providers.

Additionally, the Branch staff manages the rate setting process for residential child-care providers, child placement agencies, and nonresidential child care programs. Staff also collaborates with other State agencies to design and implement the rate setting structure for child care providers.