Services
Blossom’s Available Waiver Services in Louisiana
Blossom Support Coordination provides case management services for participants enrolled in one of the following Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: EPSDT, CC, ROW, SW, NOW, ADHC, and CCW. These Medicaid waivers provide sustainable support to participants allowing them to thrive within the comfort of their own homes.
HCBS waivers were developed as a preferred alternative for those with disabilities that would normally be placed into an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF). This is favored because of the following: Medicaid is not set up to provide long-term institutional services to those with disabilities, instead of being limited to an intermediate care facility individuals may be cared for at a more comfortable home-based setting, and due to decreased program costs – a larger population of individuals with disabilities can be served.
Information About Support Coordination
These waivers include support coordination (fka case management) services to ensure that those who receive care within their environments obtain the best possible amenities. Case management agencies, like Blossom Support Coordination, connect those in need with available waiver resources. Blossom’s team is fine tuned on Louisiana Medicaid Waivers; specifically OCDD and OAAS Medicaid waivers which assist those who would normally require support from an ICF or a Nursing Home.
Support coordinators will provide waiver participants with the following services: development of support plans, ensuring developed plans are approved and executed properly, connecting those in need with community resources that aid in their plan, monitoring the results of the plan implemented, monthly contacts with participants, quarterly meetings to review plans and service provider details, observation of staff and community service providers to ensure they are meeting established care plans, documenting provider requests, tracking provider forms, and even developing emergency plans.
Below, are some brief details on each waiver type that we service. Reviewing each of these Medicaid waivers will allow you to determine whether you, or a loved one, may benefit from these and potentially increase their quality of life:
Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnostic & Treatment (EPSDT)
This waiver is available for those that are ages 0 to 20 and have a developmental disability or medical conditions likely to result in developmental delays. Services offered are in community settings (like a daycare) or home settings and might include family training, autism screenings, and therapy.
Children's Choice Waiver (CC)
This waiver is available to those ages 0 to 20 that live at home (with families or foster families) with developmental disabilities. The Children's Choice Waiver is designed to provide financial support for improved living conditions at home along with flexibility in funding for anything from environmental improvements at home to various therapy options.
Supports Waiver (SW)
This waiver is available to those ages 18 and older who would normally need care from an Intermediate Care Facility. The Supports Waiver provides support for integrating recipients into home and community lifestyles alongside the pursuit of vocational opportunities. Some of the services offered might include supported employment, habilitation support, as well as respite for families.
Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
This waiver is available to individuals of all ages who generally need support from an Intermediate Care or nursing facility and particularly supports people in transitioning from care facility back into their communities with sustaining supports. Services included in the Residential Options Waiver include, but are not limited to: shared living support, transition services (from care facility to home), and companion care.
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
This waiver is available to those that are ages 3 and older and serves individuals that would normally need care from an Intermediate Care Facility. The New Opportunities Waiver provides support for integrating participants into a home and community setting alongside the pursuit of vocational opportunities. Typical services might include resources such supported employment, habilitation support, as well as respite for families.
Adult Day Health Care Wavier (ADHC)
This waiver is available to those 65 years of age and older as an alternative to nursing facility placement. Individuals must meet Medicaid financial eligibility, imminent risk criteria and meet the criteria for admission to a nursing facility; or age 22-64 who are disabled according to Medicaid standards or SSI disability criteria, meet Medicaid financial eligibility, imminent risk criteria and meet the criteria for admission to a nursing facility. Typical services include: adult day health care services, transition services, support coordination, and transition intensive support coordination.
Community Choices Waiver (CCW)
This waiver is available to seniors and persons with adult onset disabilities as an alternative to nursing facility care. Based on a standardized assessment, each recipient is provided a budget based on acuity to create an individual service package. Typical services might include: support coordination, nursing and skilled therapy assessments and services, in-home monitoring systems, home modifications and assistive technologies, personal care, home-delivered meals, and care giver respite.
Obtain Support Coordination Services
Those looking for case management support can receive these services through their corresponding Louisiana Medicaid waiver. To obtain a waiver, individuals should begin by contacting their local Human Services District for an initial assessment. Please note that Louisiana Medicaid Long Term Care (LTC) is not required prior to requesting a waiver slot. Although, it will need to be obtained later on!
Applying For Louisiana Medicaid
There are four ways you can apply for Louisiana Medicaid:
1. Applying on the Medicaid Self-Service portal.
2. Calling Medicaid customer service at 1-888-342-6207 (or at any Medicaid Application Center)
3. Downloading an application, printing it out, and following the on-page instructions to fax/mail the form.
4. Applying in person at the nearest Medicaid office.
For more information on qualifying for Medicaid, review the Louisiana Department of Health’s requirements. When applying to long term care for someone who lives with developmental disabilities, it also helps to know about two services that may assist those who do not currently meet the savings and income limitations.
Are You Deterred By LTC Savings & Income Limitations?
There are two unique services that help qualify children and young adults living with developmental disabilities for Louisiana Medicaid Long Term Care. One program assists those with a surplus of savings, and the other helps when income limitations are surpassed:
ABLE 529A Accounts – This unique savings account allows those with long-term disabilities to exceed the cash $2,000 limit imposed. This can be important for new applicants to SSI, who might receive a lump sum of back payments when qualifying for assistance. To qualify, people will have had to live with a life-long disability since before 26.
Act 421(Children’s Medicaid Option)– This act allows children (18 or younger) with disabilities who live at home with their families to qualify for Medicaid, even if their parents earn over the income threshold. These children must meet the level of care to be in an Intermediate Care Facility for either intellectual or physical disabilities.
These two services exist to help families provide support for their children. Those with long-term disabilities may benefit from this additional support.
For more information on case management, qualifying for waivers, or getting Louisiana Medicaid Long Term Care for people you care for who live with developmental disabilities – contact us
BLOSSOM’S CORE VALUES
Blossom’s support coordination services assist those with disabilities who participate in an Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) or Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) waiver within Region 2 of Louisiana. We are capable of providing consistent case management services by utilizing, and remaining true, to our core values:
Build Relationships
Stay Proactive
Captivate Growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a questions about Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) that you need answered pronto? Just click on one of the sections below to find the answer.
OCDD offers community-based services and supports for people who are disabled through the Medicaid Home and Community-based Waiver programs. These waiver programs allow Louisiana citizens to have greater flexibility to choose where they want to live and the supports that best suit their needs, while still receiving Medicaid State Plan benefits.
Waivers include: EPSDT, CC, SW, ROW, and NOW.
The home and community-based waivers have specific service packages and eligibility requirements. Waiver opportunities are dependent upon funding, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis through the Request for Services Registry.
Home and community-based waiver opportunities will now be provided based on the individual’s prioritized need for support, which was identified in their Request for Services Registry Screening for Urgency of Need. Instead of being first come, first served, individuals with the most emergent and urgent need for support will have priority. Individuals who have a need for services should contact their
local Human Services District/Authority in order to go through the eligibility determination process. Once a person is eligible for OCDD services, they may ask to be placed on the Developmental Disability Request for Services Registry (RFSR).
OCDD maintains a Developmental Disability Request for Services Registry (RFSR) of individuals who have a need for waiver services along with the date the person initially requested waiver services. As each individual is added to the RFSR, the individual is screened to determine their urgency of need for services. An individual, who meets the eligibility criteria, is in the highest urgency priority category(s) being served based on funding, and has the earliest RFSR date, will be offered the next available OCDD waiver opportunity that meets their needs.
To add your name to the Developmental Disability Request for Services Registry or if you have questions, you can contact the Human Services District/Authority for your area. Listed below is a web link to this information: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/134.
If you do not have access to a computer, you may call the OCDD State Office at 866-783-5553 to request the contact information for your local Human Services District/Authority.
The Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) was formed within the Department of Health as a healthcare reform initiative, bringing together all of the long-term care programs that serve senior citizens and people with adult-onset disabilities.
Waivers include: ADHC, and CCW.
The Office of Aging and Adult Services aims to develop, provide and enhance services that offer meaningful choices for people in need of long-term care. The office is committed to developing a long-term care system that provides choice, ensures quality, meets the needs of consumers and caregivers, and does so in a fiscally responsible manner.
To request services through the LDH Office of Aging and Adult Services, you may call the Louisiana Options in Long-Term Care Hotline at 1-877-456-1146. If you are requesting services on behalf of someone else, please have that person’s name, physical/home address and Medicaid number (if applicable) readily available when calling.
You may also submit a request for services using the following form link and an OAAS staff member will contact you for assistance and further information.
EPSDT benefits provide comprehensive and preventive health care services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid.
All Medicaid recipients 0 through 20 years of age not receiving Individual Family Support waiver services are eligible. However, once a recipient receiving Individual Family Support waiver services has exhausted those services they are then eligible for EPSDT Personal Care Services.
Recipients of Children’s Choice Waiver can receive both PCS and Family Support Services on the same day; however, the services may not be rendered at the same time.
POTENTIAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?
- Basic personal care-toileting & grooming activities.
- Assistance with bladder and/or bowel requirements or problems.
- Assistance with eating and food preparation.
- Performance of incidental household chores, only for the recipient
- Accompanying, not transporting, recipient to medical appointments.
- Does NOT cover any medical tasks such as medication administration, tube feedings, urinary catheters, or tracheostomy care.
Qualifications for EPSDT can be found at: https://ldh.la.gov/page/334.
The Children’s Choice Waiver (CC) program provides services in the home and in the community to individuals 0 through 20 years of age, who currently live at home with their families or who will leave an institution to return home.
This waiver provides an individualized support package with a maximum cost per year and is designed for maximum flexibility.
Youth who reach the age of 18 and want to work may choose to transition to a Supports Waiver as long as they remain eligible for waiver services. Youth who continue in the Children’s Choice Waiver beyond age 18 will age out of Children’s Choice Waiver when they reach their 21st birthday. They will transition to the most appropriate waiver that meets their needs if they remain eligible for waiver services.
This program is not intended to provide 24 hours a day support.
- Youth age 0 to 3 individuals must meet the My Place eligibility requirements.
- Youth age 3 to 20 individuals must have an OCDD Statement of Approval.
POTENTIAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?
- Support Coordination
- Family Support
- Crisis Support
- Center-Based Respite
- Family Training
- Environmental Accessibility Adaptions
- Specialized Medical Equipment
- Permanent Supportive Housing Stabilization
- Permanent Supportive Housing Stabilization and Transition
Therapy Services
- Aquatic Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Hippo-Therapy/Therapeutic Horseback Riding
- Sensory Integration
*Individuals who receive the CC Waiver may also receive EPSDT services.
Qualifications for the CC can be found at: https://ldh.la.gov/page/218.
The Supports Waiver (SW) program provides services in the home and in the community tocindividuals 18 years of age or older, who areceligible to receive OCDD waiver services.
This program is not intended to provide 24 hours a day support.
POTENTIAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?
- Support Coordination
- Supported Employment (individual or group)
- Day Habilitation
- Prevocational
- Habilitation
- Respite (center-based or in home)
- Permanent Supportive Housing Stabilization
- Permanent Supportive Housing Stabilization Transition
- Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
*Individuals who are under 21 years of age may access Early Periodic Screening and Diagnostic Treatment (ESPDT) services. Individuals who receive the SW may also receive Long Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS).
Qualifications for the SW can be found at: https://ldh.la.gov/page/1828.
The Residential Options Waiver (ROW) program provides services in the home and in the community to individuals of all ages who are eligible to receive OCDD waiver services. It is a capped waiver where the person’s individual annual budget is based upon the person’s assessed support needs.
Supports needs are determined by an Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) assessment.
This program is not intended to provide 24 hours a day of one-to-one support.
POTENTIAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?
- Support Coordination
- Community Living Supports
- Host Home Services
- Companion Care Services
- Shared Living
- Adult Day Health Care
- Respite Care-Out of Home
- Personal Emergency Response System
- One Time Transition Services
- Environmental Accessibility Adaptations
*Individuals under 21 years of age must access Early Periodic Screening and Diagnostic Treatment (EPSDT) services.
- Assistive Technology/Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies
- Transportation-Community Access
- Professional Services
- Nursing Services
- Dental Services
- Supported Employment
- Prevocational Services
- Day Habilitation
- Housing Stabilization Service
- Housing Stabilization Transition Services
*Individuals who receive the ROW may NOT receive Long Term – Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) when in this program.
Qualifications for the ROW can be found at: https://ldh.la.gov/page/1875.
The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) program provides services in the home and in the community to individuals 3 years of age or older who are eligible to receive OCDD waiver services.
The NOW is intended to provide specific activity-focused services rather than continuous custodial care.
POTENTIAL SERVICES INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?
- Individual and Family Support (IFS) for Day, Night, Shared o Can be Self-Directed
- Center-Based Respite
- Community Integration and Development
- Environmental Adaptations · Specialized Medical Equipment
- Supported Living
- Substitute Family Care
- Day Habilitation and Transportation
- Supported Employment and Transportation
- Prevocational Services
- Personal Emergency Response
- Skilled Nursing
- One time transitional services
- Housing Stabilization Transition
- Housing Stabilization
*Individuals will receive Support Coordination services via state plan. Individuals who receive the NOW may NOT receive LT-PCS services.
Qualifications for the NOW can be found at: https://ldh.la.gov/page/283.
Adult Day Health Care is a non-residential program and can often be an alternative to nursing home care for people who do not need care 24 hours 7 days a week. This program does not, by itself or in combination with other OAAS programs, provide supports 24 hours a day. ADHC, through health and social services, provides supervised care to adults in a supportive and safe setting during part of a day. An individual assessment of each client determines the services provided. Client’s needs are met through medical/nursing services, medication supervision/administration, social services, personal care and dietary services (serving both regular and special diet hot lunches as well as morning and afternoon snacks). ADHC Centers typically operate during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, although some centers may offer evenings or weekends. For most people, depending on where they live, adult day health care centers provide transportation to and from the center.
Qualifications for the ADHC can be found at: https://ldh.la.gov/page/waiver-services-adult-day-health-care-adhc.
The Community Choices Waiver (CCW) serves seniors and persons with adult onset disabilities as an alternative to nursing facility care. Based on a standardized assessment, each recipient is provided a budget based on acuity to create an individual service package. The CCW contains a wide array of services including: support coordination, nursing and skilled therapy assessments and services, in-home monitoring systems, home modifications and assistive technologies, personal care, home-delivered meals, and care giver respite.
Qualifications for the CCW can be found at: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/docs/OAAS/publications/FactSheets/CCW-Fact-Sheet.pdfhttps://ldh.la.gov/page/waiver-services-adult-day-health-care-adhc.
Complaints should be reported to the appropriate regional district/authority, OCDD central office at 1-866-783-5553, or corresponding supports and services centers.
To report suspected abuse or neglect contact:
- Child Protective Services at 1-855-452-5437
- Adult Protective Services at 1-800-898-4910
- Elderly Protective Services (age 60+) at 1-833-577-6532
A Freedom of Choice Provider is the process whereby OCDD assures that each person and/or their family has the right to choose the service provider most qualified to meet their needs. It is important to learn as much as possible about a prospective provider in order to make an informed decision regarding which agency will be best suited to meet you or your family member’s needs.
Click here to see the current Freedom of Choice Provider Listing: https://ldh.la.gov/page/141.
