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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.

2. What types of services are available in the Elderly Waiver 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

Contact

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.

8. How do I obtain more information as a provider of home- and community based services?

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

This information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Health Services (DHS) website.