A National Review of the Use of Intelligence Quotient as an Eligibility Criterion for Intellectual Disability Services and Waiver Programs.

Federal and state governments often jointly fund Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. Eligibility determination for services for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) is often dependent on a state's specific definition of ID. Many states use intelligence quotient (IQ) scores as part of their eligibility determination process. We analyzed the use of IQ in these decisions across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We found that 24 states do not rely on IQ for eligibility decisions, 19 states use IQ in some way, and eight states depend on a singular IQ score for eligibility determinations. This variability can lead to inequitable access to services for individuals with ID.