FAQs • Mille Lacs County, MN • CivicEngage

What is the Elderly Waiver Program?: The Elderly Waiver (EW) program funds home- and community-based services for people age 65 and older who are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) and require the level of care provided in a nursing home, but choose to reside in the community. The Minnesota Department of Human Services operates the EW program under a federal waiver to Minnesota’s Medicaid State Plan. Counties, tribal entities and health plan partners administer the program. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 for more information about the program.

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Elderly Services - Elderly Waiver Program

1. What is the Elderly Waiver Program?: The Elderly Waiver (EW) program funds home- and community-based services for people age 65 and older who are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) and require the level of care provided in a nursing home, but choose to reside in the community. The Minnesota Department of Human Services operates the EW program under a federal waiver to Minnesota’s Medicaid State Plan. Counties, tribal entities and health plan partners administer the program. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 for more information about the program.

The following services are available:

Adult day service
Chore services
Companion services
Consumer-directed community supports
Environmental accessibility adaptations
Home health aides
Home-delivered meals
Homemaker services
Licensed community residential services (customized living services or 24-hour customized living services, family foster care, residential care)
Personal care assistant
Respite care
Skilled nursing
Specialized equipment and supplies
Training for informal caregivers
Transitional supports
Transportation

Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 for more information about the program.

3. Who is eligible in the Elderly Waiver Program?: Those eligible for the Elderly Waiver program are 65 or older, eligible for Medical Assistance and need nursing home level of care as determined by the Long-Term Care Consultation process. The Elderly Waiver (EW) service cost for an individual cannot be greater than the estimated nursing home cost for that same individual. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 for more information about the program.

4. What alternatives exist for people who are eligible for Elderly Waiver?: Probable alternatives include Medicaid-certified skilled nursing facilities and certified board-and-care homes. The average cost of these alternative settings is $4,948 per person, per month. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 for more information about the program.

5. Where can I learn more about the Elderly Waiver program?: The Elderly Waiver program is described in Minnesota Statutes 256B.0915.

6. Where can I learn more about managed care for seniors?: More information about managed care for seniors is on the Department of Health Services (DHS) website.

7. How can I enroll?: Contact your county’s social services or public health department at 320-983-8208. If you are already on Medical Assistance and enrolled in a health plan, you should contact your health plan.

See Chapter 26A of the provider manual. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 for more information about the program.