WY Community Choices Waiver

Overview of Wyoming Community Choices Waiver (WY-CCW)

The Wyoming Community Choices Waiver (WY-CCW) is a Medicaid waiver program designed to provide a community-based alternative to nursing facility care for older adults and adults with disabilities. Its primary objective is to support participants in achieving independence, maintaining health and safety, and fully participating in community living. The Wyoming Department of Health, Division of Healthcare Financing administers the program. It offers a wide range of services, emphasizing individual authority over services and supports, person-centered service planning and delivery, promoting community relationships, managing health and safety, and responsible use of public resources.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for the WY-CCW is based on several factors, including income limits, disability criteria, and the need for a nursing facility level of care. The program specifically targets older adults and adults with disabilities who require assistance to live independently in the community. Eligibility is decided through a comprehensive assessment process that evaluates the individual's medical and functional needs.

Services and Supports

The Wyoming Community Choices Waiver (WY-CCW) offers its participants a range of services and supports. These services include:

1. Adult Day Services: Provides supervised care in a structured setting during daytime hours, offering social, recreational, and health-related services.
2. Case Management: Offers assistance accessing healthcare services, coordinating care, and planning for long-term needs.
3. Personal Support Services: Includes assistance with activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, and meal prep.
4. Respite: Provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, including in-home or short-term institutional care.
5. Home Health Aide: Offers professional assistance with healthcare needs at home, like medication management and primary medical care.
6. Skilled Nursing: Involves nursing care provided by licensed nurses for more complex health needs.
7. Assisted Living Facility Services: Offers a combination of housing, personal care services, and healthcare to respond to the individualized needs of those requiring help with activities of daily living.
8. Home-Delivered Meals: Provides nutritious meals delivered to participants' homes.
9. Non-Medical Transportation: Offers transportation services for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential activities.
10. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Electronic devices designed to alert emergency services in case of a fall or other emergencies.

Compensation for Caregivers

Under the participant-direction option of the WY-CCW, recipients can choose their own caregivers for certain services. This option empowers participants to have greater control over their care. Caregivers can access compensation through the program, adhering to specific documentation and reporting procedures set by the Medicaid waiver program.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its benefits, the WY-CCW faces limitations and challenges, including potential restrictions in service availability and complexities in navigating the program. Managing the balance between independence and safety and ensuring consistent quality of care are ongoing challenges.

A note from Givers

To explore eligibility for compensation under the Wyoming Community Choices Waiver and learn more about the support available, we encourage you to complete this form. This step can start a journey towards greater independence and community participation for those in need.