Pulse development · 1 cited source · September 23, 2026
Parent-paid care can hinge on an extraordinary-care assessment
States are trying to pay parents caring for children with complex needs, but one North Dakota family was denied after its care needs were assessed.
Kris Ferderer left her job as a nonprofit program coordinator and took over caring for her daughter Elliott after the family struggled to find home-care workers and worried about the care available. The Ferderers were among the first North Dakota residents to apply to the state’s new Family Paid Caregiver Pilot Program in April 2024. Their application was denied after Elliott scored too low on the state’s assessment of her extraordinary-care needs. At least 30 states are trying programs that pay parents to care for children with complex needs, but states face a reported tradeoff between controlling costs and complying with Medicaid rules and reaching the families those programs are meant to serve.
Evidence
Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.
- Parent-paid care can hinge on an extraordinary-care assessment
- States are trying to pay parents caring for children with complex needs, but one North Dakota family was denied after its care needs were assessed.
- Kris Ferderer left her job as a nonprofit program coordinator and took over caring for her daughter Elliott after the family struggled to find home-care workers and worried about the care available.
- The Ferderers were among the first North Dakota residents to apply to the state’s new Family Paid Caregiver Pilot Program in April 2024.
- Their application was denied after Elliott scored too low on the state’s assessment of her extraordinary-care needs.
- At least 30 states are trying programs that pay parents to care for children with complex needs, but states face a reported tradeoff between controlling costs and complying with Medicaid rules and reaching the families those programs are meant to serve.
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