Your Family's Guide to Self-Directed Support
A simple guide to program benefits, eligibility, and staying compliant with JM Murray serving as your Fiscal Intermediary.
Are you eligible?
Active OPWDD Status
The individual must be officially eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver.
Care Manager & Housing
You must have an active Care Manager (from a Care Coordination Organization) and wish to live in a community setting (not a group home).
Medicaid Compliance Rules
Why Rules Matter:
Self-Direction is funded directly by Medicaid. Strict oversight keeps your funding safe and ensures continuous daily services.
Audit Readiness:
Every expense must have documented support. Missing paperwork or bad records can result in immediate plan suspension.
JM Murray’s Job:
As your Fiscal Intermediary (FI), we review and process everything to protect your plan and verify it meets all Medicaid rules.
The Core Rule:
All spending must clearly link to an active goal in the individual’s personalized Life Plan.
What is IDGS Funding?
Individualized Directed Goods & Services
IDGS lets you buy services or items that help you live more independently in the community. Every item must relate to a direct goal in your Life Plan.
✓ Community classes (e.g., cooking, pottery)
✓ Special summer camps & social coaching
✓ Transitional services and local memberships
What is OTPS Funding?
Other than Personal Services
OTPS covers specific, non-personal expenses that help the individual live independently in their own home or with their family. These are directly out-of-pocket and reimbursed by JM Murray.
What is covered?
✓ Portions of home utilities (electric/water)
✓ Personal cell phone and internet costs
✓ Specific software to assist with planning
Your Monthly Compliance
Track Work
Staff records precise hours worked using our secure EVV timesheet app daily.
Family Review
Review the hours and sign off on timesheets to confirm the exact hours worked.
Send Receipts
Submit your monthly IDGS/OTPS receipts to JM Murray along with signed cover sheets.
FI Approval
JM Murray audits files, processes timely payroll, and issues your reimbursements.
Strict Spending Limits
$3,000= Maximum Annual OTPS Cap
Staying within budget limits:
OPWDD rules limit OTPS spending to a strict maximum of $3,000 per year. If your family goes over this cap, Medicaid rules prohibit reimbursement. JM Murray closely tracks your spending totals to help your family stay safe, avoid surprises, and prevent plan suspension.
We're here to help!
Contact JM Murray Intake
Email: intake@jmmurray.com
Phone: 607-756-4041