This is a program that offers an array of services to support people in their homes.

Who may need this program?

Individuals of all ages who:

• Are eligible for Medicaid and have needs at nursing facility level of care
• Want to live at home rather than a nursing facility
• Can be served safely at home

What services may be available through the Aged & Disabled Waiver?

Some of the funded services include:

• Services Coordination – provided by specially trained staff who help match your needs with services and providers, based on your preferences
• In-home help, such as: home-delivered meals, cleaning, laundry, getting groceries (chore), maintaining good nutrition, personal emergency response system, special equipment to make tasks easier to perform, or modifying your home to make it easier to get around (assistive technology/home modifications)
• Relief time for family caregivers (respite)
• Training to increase independence in activities of daily living at home (independence skills building)
• Child care so the caregiver can maintain employment (child care for children with disabilities)
• Community supports like adult day services and transportation for essential activities such as medical appointments
• Assisted Living services

More questions and answers about the Aged & Disabled Waiver

Contact someone who can answer your questions about the services in the Aged & Disabled Waiver about:

• Children birth to 3 years of age
• Children and youth 4 to 17 years old
• For adults 18 and older with physical disabilities
• For adults 65 and older

Information on becoming a provider of services

FAQs

What does it mean for me to “be eligible for the waiver”?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be financially eligible for Medicaid.
• Have physical and health needs which require services similar to those provided by a nursing facility (see the next question also).
• Have an individualized plan of services and supports that will keep you safe in your home.

OK, so what does it mean for me to “meet nursing facility level of care”?

Nursing facility level of care means you have needs which require you to receive services similar to those provided to individuals who live in a nursing home. For example, you may need assistance with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, taking a bath or shower, eating, or walking safely. A few examples of other areas considered are how much help you need to take medications, any memory problems or health conditions you may have and how they are managed. Persons who apply for Medicaid Waiver are assessed to see if their needs are the same as those of people who live in a nursing home.

I earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but my child has a physical disability and we could really use the services of the waiver. Can you help?

There is an exception so that parent’s income is not counted for children served by the waiver. Contact your local DHHS office to begin the Medicaid application process, and be sure to say you want your child assessed to determine if he qualifies for the waiver.

How many hours in the day can I have help?

Each person’s needs are different; there is not a set number of hours of assistance per day from the waiver. You and your Services Coordinator will work together on a plan of services that will meet your needs and keep you safe at home.

I am an adult living in my own apartment. If I qualify for the waiver, who will I get to help me in my home? Who comes in to clean and do laundry? Who comes and helps me while I take a bath?

First, an assessment is completed to determine what kind of help you need to stay safely in your home. Next, staff from the waiver program will be able to connect you with a choice of providers to help you in your home. You choose who provides services for you and when they work for you. Some providers are agencies. Other providers are self-employed and do not work for an agency. If you know someone that you want to work for you as your provider, refer the person to the waiver staff.

What types of facilities does the Keys Amendment affect and where can I find a copy of the compliance document?

List of facilities and Keys Amendment compliance

Where can I read the DHHS regulations about the Aged & Disabled Waiver?

Title 480 -- Home and Community-Based Waiver Services and Optional Targeted Case Management Services, Click on Chapter 5 -- Home and Community-Based Waiver Services for Aged Persons or Adults or Children with Disabilities

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