Question:

What is a home waiver?

Answer:

Home care waivers allow states to choose groups of people with particular needs and health conditions to receive options to receive care at home or within the community. The goal is to avoid placement in a long term facility or hospitalization. Following federal guidelines, individual states can implement  home and community based service ( HCBS) waivers. States can choose how many waivers they provide and they must demonstrate that the waivers:

 *Do not cost more than the same service in a healthcare facility

 *Ensures the person’s health and welfare

 *Provides reasonable and adequate standards to  meet the person’s needs

 *Uses an individualized plan of care centered on the person

A waiver program allows the state to provide a variety of non-medical services including case management, homemaker services, home health aides, respite care, personal care and adult day care.

Waivers are available in all US states including Puerto Rico. Medicaid maintains a list of waivers that a person can search by state. The medicaid waiver program eligibility rules vary but a person ,ust meet their state’s level of care requirements. This means that an individual qualifies for full time inpatient care at an appropriate facility but is cared for at home.

How to apply:

A person can check their eligibility online or by contacting Medicaid. They can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply in their state. An individual does not need to be on medicaid to qualify, but will receive medicaid as part of the program.