The Idaho Aged and Disabled Waiver is a Medicaid program that supports Idaho's older adults and disabled citizens. This waiver enables individuals who qualify for nursing facility care to live in home or community-based settings instead of institutions. It aligns with the goals of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, emphasizing self-sufficiency, individuality, independence, dignity, choice, and privacy in a safe and cost-effective setting. Services under this waiver are available in various settings, including the participant's home, family homes, Certified Family Homes, and Residential Assisted Living Facilities.
Eligibility for the Aged and Disabled Waiver hinges on several criteria, including financial requirements and the need for nursing facility-level care. Applicants must apply for Medicaid through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Self-Reliance staff. The Bureau of Long-Term Care then conducts assessments to confirm that applicants meet the nursing facility's level of care. Annual reassessments are conducted to ensure continued eligibility and appropriate service delivery.
This waiver provides various services to support participants in their chosen living arrangements. These include various healthcare services, home and community-based services, assistive technologies, and support for daily living. With assistance from a nurse reviewer, each participant selects services that best suit their needs and ensure safe maintenance in their living environment.
Under the participant-direction option of this waiver, recipients can select their caregivers for some services. Information regarding caregiver compensation, including necessary documentation and reporting procedures, is managed through the Bureau of Long-Term Care and the Division of Licensing and Certification, ensuring compliance with state rules and quality standards.
The waiver has limitations and challenges, including complexities in navigating eligibility requirements, the variability of services across different settings, and ensuring consistent quality of care. Additionally, the dependency on annual reassessments and bureaucratic procedures can be challenging for participants.
We invite you to explore if the Aged and Disabled Waiver is right for you or your loved ones. Fill out this form to determine your loved one's eligibility and access a network of support and services tailored to your needs.
