DDRS Waiver Manual

Have an informal meeting to discuss the issue being appealed with the DDRS/BDDS Service
Coordinator or other District representative, DDRS/BDDS Waiver Unit (or representative), or
the DDRS Central Office representative.
Upon request, examine the entire case file and all documents and records that will be used by
the DDRS/BDDS District representative, DDRS/BDDS Waiver Unit representative, or the DDRS
Central Office representative at the hearing, noting that the State’s appeal-related evidence is
sent to the appellant free of charge prior to the hearing.
The appeal notice informs the appellant of his or her right be represented by legal counsel at
the appeal hearing.
Note: The State provides its exhibits to the participant or legal guardian prior to the hearing. Any other
requests for copies of these exhibits must be submitted to the State at the time the appeal is requested
and must include a signed release from the participant/appellant or legal guardian authorizing release of
the exhibits to another party.
Additionally, the appellant may submit their own exhibits to the State prior to the hearing. It is expected
that appellants who are submitting exhibits will bring copies of their own exhibits to the hearing for the
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and for the State.
For budget-related appeals, the appellant submits their exhibits to the Bureau of Developmental
Disabilities Services (DDRS/BDDS) Appeal Coordinator, who will distribute the copies to the ALJ. The
appellant should submit his or her exhibits to:
BDDS Appeals Coordinator
MS 18
402 W. Washington Street, Room W453
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The appeal must be received by FSSA within 33 calendar days of the NOA decision date.
For eligibility-related appeals, the appellant submits their exhibits to:
Office of General Counsel
MS 27
402 W. Washington Street, Room W451
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The appeal must be received by FSSA within 15 calendar days of the eligibility decision date.
Section 8.10: Preparation for Hearing by the BDDS Service Coordinator or
District representative, BDDS Waiver Unit, or the DDRS Central Office
The correct application of federal or State law or regulation to the appellant’s situation should be reviewed
by the appropriate State representative for the area in which the decision was made prior to the hearing.
Thorough support of the action proposed or taken must be provided at the hearing.
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