Medical Assistance for Long-Term Care Services

2.4.2.3 Home and Community-Based Service Waivers

Some people who have disabilities, who are age 65 or older, or who have chronic medical needs may receive services in addition to those already covered by Medical Assistance (MA). See the Community-Based Services Manual / Disability Services Program Manual for more information. The additional home and community-based services (HCBS) enable the person to receive care in the community rather than in an institution.

People who are eligible for MA may also be eligible for one of the following waiver programs:

• Brain Injury Waiver (BI)

• Community Alternative Care (CAC)

• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI)

• Developmental Disabilities (DD)

• Elderly Waiver (EW)

Waiver Programs

Brain Injury Waiver (BI)

BI is a federally approved HCBS program for people who have an acquired or traumatic brain injury requiring a level of care provided in a specialized nursing facility or neurobehavioral hospital. These people may be eligible to receive services in community settings rather than in a nursing facility or neurobehavioral hospital.

Community Alternative Care (CAC)

CAC is a federally approved HCBS program for people who are chronically ill and choose to receive services in the community.

Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI)

CADI is a federally approved HCBS program that allows people with disabilities who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility to receive services in the community rather than in a nursing facility.

Developmental Disabilities (DD)

DD is a federally approved HCBS program for children and adults with a developmental disability or related condition who require the level of care provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD) but choose to reside in the community. 

Elderly Waiver (EW)

EW is a federally approved HCBS program for people age 65 or older who require the level of medical care provided in a nursing home but choose to reside in the community.

The following sections discuss the MA-LTC eligibility rules for the HCBS waiver programs.

1. HCBS Waiver Programs for People with Disabilities

2. HCBS Waiver Programs for People Age 65 or Older

Published:  June 1, 2016

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