Living life with ongoing medical challenges is hard enough, not to mention the difficulties associated with accessing care. That’s why Medicaid waiver programs exist. They were created to bridge the gap between individuals with disabilities or medical issues and the services they need. Read on to learn about the latest and most innovative programs and services available through Medicaid waivers.
Technology-assisted Care
The healthcare industry has been entirely transformed by technology, just like every other industry has. As of late, Medicaid waivers allow for telehealth options powered by virtual conferencing technology – think Zoom, Google Meet, and alternatives.
This means that beneficiaries can connect face-to-face with their care team at home rather than an outside facility. With this option, waiver beneficiaries have a pathway to quicker medical interventions and more convenience overall.
There’s also remote patient monitoring with the help of high-tech devices. There are many types of devices that can track your vital signs and send your readings to your care team in real time. Having a steady stream of health data available to healthcare professionals makes it easier to provide proactive treatment based on facts.
Assistive technology may also be covered through Medicaid waivers in some states. Devices under this umbrella range from mobility devices and adaptive software to communication aids and more. All of these technological advancements help waiver beneficiaries thrive at home or in the community.
Community-Based Initiatives
As time goes on, Medicaid waivers are focusing more and more on community-based initiatives. The point of this shift is to keep people out of expensive institutional settings when their care can be managed in the community or even at home. This not only saves beneficiaries money but allows them to live where they feel comfortable and connected.
To this end, state Medicaid waiver programs are making a big difference through the below services:
- Adult day health services
- Day and residential habilitation
- Respite care to give families and caregivers a break
- Transitional services to transfer beneficiaries from institutional settings to their home and community.
- Personal care assistance
Innovative Support Models
Medicaid waiver support is very intentional, empowering waiver recipients to walk in their independence. To that end, these waivers are implemented with a strong emphasis on person-centered planning. As you might expect, this model is all about meeting people where they are and providing them what they need – not standardized blanket solutions.
Support coordination staff drive this person-centered approach by acting as the recipient’s right hand. In Louisiana for example, Medicaid support coordinators answer questions, help with care planning, manage paperwork, visit recipients, and much more. This ensures that individuals can get the most out of their waiver benefits.
And then there’s self-directed care where waiver beneficiaries are supported in a way that allows them to control just about every aspect of their Medicaid waiver services. Under self-directed care, individuals can choose their own in-home providers, train their staff on how to care for them, handle payment for support personnel, and more.
Contact a Louisiana Medicaid Support Coordinator to Learn More
If you want to know more about Medicaid waivers and which would be ideal for you, reach out to a LA Medicaid support coordinator for assistance. They have the knowledge and resources to help you survey your Medicaid service options and find the best fit.
