Have you been searching for a nursing facility alternative for yourself or a loved one? You’re one of many Louisianans. If you need ongoing assistance and would rather not go to a nursing home, the Community Choices Waiver could be just what you need. Keep reading to learn all you can about this waiver, including who’s eligible, how to apply for services, and more.
What is the Community Choices Waiver (CCW) in Louisiana?
The Community Choices Waiver (CCW) is an LA Medicaid program offered through the Office of Aging and Adult Services. It’s targeted toward adults in need of financial and medical assistance and provides services designed to promote their health and well-being at home, enabling them to stay out of nursing homes.
Note: Though many life-changing services and equipment are provided through the CCW, 24/7 services are not. You’ll need to make alternative arrangements for any around-the-clock care needs.
What are the Benefits of the Community Choices Waiver (CCW)?
Now, we’ll shed some light on the benefits of the Community Choices Waiver program. Here are some of the services and equipment you can expect if accepted:
- In-home nursing services as necessary for your health.
- Therapies as needed (speech, physical, occupational, etc.)
- Help with daily living activities like bathing and cooking.
- Certain devices and supplies.
- Personal emergency response system (wearable device you can use to call for emergency help at the push of a button)
- Payroll help for when you want to hire and pay your own workers to provide your basic care services.
- Home modifications to make your house more accessible (ramps, grab bars, etc.)
- Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) services, where you go to an ADHC center in your community for health/medical and social services.
- Transitional support coordination and services to get you from the nursing home to your home (for those who are currently residing in a nursing home).
Note: This is not a full list of services you may receive as part of the Community Choices Waiver (CCW). For a more complete list, read this resource.
Do You Qualify for the Community Choices Waiver (CCW)?
Not everyone will qualify for the Community Choices Waiver (CCW) in Louisiana. There are very specific eligibility requirements you must meet. Here’s the eligibility criteria (all four points must apply):
- You are at least 21 years old.
- You meet long-term care eligibility requirements set by Medicaid.
- You meet a nursing home level of care.
- Your income and resources (things you own) fall within the accepted limits. Read about them here.
How Do You Apply for the Community Choices Waiver (CCW)?
Applying for the Community Choices Waiver is as simple as requesting to have your name added to the Department’s list. To do so, call Louisiana Options in Long-Term Care at 1-877-456-1146.
People are offered the waiver based on their level of need. For instance, at-risk abuse victims and people with ALS will be prioritized (among other groups). Therefore, there may be a wait involved. So, it’s best to get your name on the list immediately. After those on the priority list get their benefits, everyone else gets their waiver on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Do Support Coordination Agencies Help Me with the Community Choices Waiver (CCW)?
Getting your waiver and utilizing your benefits may not always be easy. That’s where Support Coordination agencies come in. They can help you request the waiver, sort through issues you encounter after getting the waiver, and answer questions you have along the way. They act as your right hand, helping you out wherever possible.
