Delivering Compassionate Care for You and Your Beloved

A Waiver Program allows states to modify certain Medicaid requirements, offering care and support services to individuals who might otherwise need institutional care. These programs are designed to help people receive care in their homes or communities rather than in nursing facilities.

How Waiver Programs Differ from Traditional Medicaid

Traditional Medicaid provides a wide range of healthcare services based on income and other eligibility factors. In contrast, waiver programs are tailored to specific populations, such as individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions, and often offer additional services not covered by standard Medicaid. These programs are particularly valuable for those who need a higher level of care but wish to remain in their homes instead of transitioning to long-term care facilities.

Benefits of Waiver Programs for Individuals and Families

• Personalized Care: Waiver programs create customized care plans to meet specific needs.

• Enhanced Independence: By providing in-home or community-based support, these programs help individuals retain their independence.

• Comprehensive Support: Services may include personal care, home modifications, and respite care for family caregivers.

• Cost-Effective: Waiver programs often provide high-quality services at a lower cost than institutional care, making them a more efficient solution.

Options Program

The Options Program offers essential services to help older adults maintain independence while living in their own homes. Services include personal care, adult day services, and home-delivered meals.

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 60 or older who meet financial and functional requirements.

• Services Covered: Personal care, adult day services, home health, and home-delivered meals.

Community HealthChoices (CHC)

Community HealthChoices is tailored for older adults and individuals with physical disabilities, aiming to enhance access to home and community-based services.

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 21 or older who qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.

• Services Covered: Long-term services and supports, nursing facility care, and home and community-based services.

Aging Waiver

The Aging Waiver provides in-home care for adults aged 60 and older who require a nursing facility level of care but prefer to remain at home.

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 60 or older who meet both medical and financial criteria.

• Services Covered: Personal care, home health, respite care, and home modifications.

Attendant Care/Act 150 Waiver

This waiver offers personal care and support to physically disabled individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 to help them live independently.

• Eligibility: Adults aged 18-59 with physical disabilities who meet financial criteria.

• Services Covered: Personal care, home health services, assistive technology, and home modifications.

Independence Waiver

The Independence Waiver supports adults with physical disabilities, helping them live independently within their communities.

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18-60 with physical disabilities and who meet financial requirements.

• Services Covered: Personal care, home health services, respite care, and assistive technology.

OBRA Waiver

The OBRA Waiver is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities that occurred before age 22 and require assistance to live independently.

• Eligibility: Individuals with developmental disabilities originating before age 22 who meet financial criteria.

• Services Covered: Personal care, home health, behavioral therapy, and home modifications.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

1. Determine Eligibility:

Review the specific eligibility requirements for the waiver program that best suits your needs.

2. Gather Documentation:

Collect essential documents, including proof of income, medical records, identification, and residency proof.

3. Contact Your County Assistance Office (CAO):

Reach out to your local CAO to begin the application process and receive guidance.

4. Complete the Application:

Fill out the required application forms and submit them along with your documentation to the CAO.

5. Undergo an Assessment:

A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine your level of need and suitability for the waiver program.

6. Approval and Care Plan:

If approved, you will receive a personalized care plan outlining the services you qualify for under the program.

Necessary Documentation

• Proof of income

• Medical records

• Identification documents

• Proof of residency

Role of County Assistance Offices (CAOs)

CAOs are key in the waiver application process. They provide essential information, assist with completing the application, and conduct eligibility assessments. As your primary contact, the CAO ensures you meet the program’s requirements and submit all necessary documents.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Be Thorough: Ensure every section of the application is accurately completed.

• Submit Documentation: Provide all required documents upfront to prevent delays.

• Follow Up: Regularly check in with your CAO to monitor your application status.

• Seek Assistance: Don’t hesitate to get help from family, social workers, or legal advisors if needed.