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CAP-MR/DD Program


Community Alternatives Program for persons with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities 

CAP-MR/DD is a Medicaid community care funding source (federal and state dollars) for persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities. It offers specific services in the community for individuals of all ages who require an ICF-MR (intermediate care facility-mental retardation) level of care and gives a cost-effective alternative to care in an ICF-MR. ICF-MR level of care is described in Section 2 of the 2005 CAP-MR/DD manual.

The goal of the service is to allow persons with significant needs related to DD to be served in the community rather than to reside in an institutional (ICF-MR) setting.

Download the CAP Manual and other important Operations/Fiscal Management information from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Key Factors in Determining Participation (refer to Sections 1.2 and 2.2 of the CAP Manual for further eligibility information):

  • The need for CAP-MR/DD services
  • The desire to receive CAP-MR/DD services instead of residing in an ICF-MR facility
  • The resources available to meet the person's community care needs.

Core Services Provided (refer to Chapter 4 of the CAP Manual for further services information):

  • Adult Day Health Care
  • Augmentative Communication Devices (devices necessary when normal speech is non-functional – purchase, rental or repairs)
  • Crisis Stabilization
  • Day Supports (Individual or Group)
  • Home and Community Supports (Individual or Group)
  • Home Modifications (limited modifications to environment to assist with accessibility)
  • Individual Caregiver Training and Education
  • MR Personal Care Services (Enhanced or Regular)
  • Personal Emergency Response System
  • Respite Care (Community and Institutional; Nursing, Enhanced, Group or Individual)
  • Supported Employment (Individual or Group)
  • Residential Supports (Levels 1-4)
  • Transportation
  • Specialized Consultative Services 
  • Vehicle Adaptations
  • Specialized Equipment and Supplies

Note that CAP-MR/DD funding is one of other funding mechanisms that are available. Others include state-funded services and generic community resources.