Navigating Home Care’s Red Tape: Wavier Programs

Home care services can be a complicated mess. With so many regulations, programs, and systems to work in, knowing where to start is often overwhelming. Working with a reputable home care agency (like Best Home Care) will certainly help you understand the home care process, however it’s important to have a basic knowledge of the options that are available for you and your loved one’s specific situation.

Some of the most common questions we receive at our Minnesota home care agency are concerned with paying for home care and personal care services. Most families are unable to pay for personal care services out of pocket and therefore must rely on insurance or state-run programs. One of these is the State of Minnesota’s home and community-based service waiver program.

What is the state’s home and community-based service waiver program? Medicaid’s HCBS waiver gives states the flexibility to develop creative alternatives to allow people to pay for and receive at-home care that meets their needs. These services are not available under regular Medical Assistance.

What are some of the waivers and what services do they provide?

• Brain Injury Waiver: People with acquired or traumatic brain injuries that require a level of care provided in a hospital or nursing facility.
• Alternative Care: Supports services for older Minnesotans, age 65 years and over, who have low income and assets and are at risk of being placed in a nursing home.
• Developmental Disabilities Waiver: Helps individuals with developmental disabilities that need the level of care provided by a professional care facility.

How do you apply?

When applying for the HCBS waiver program, it’s best to work with a home care company that will handle the administrative tasks. You can learn more about applying by visiting HCBS webpage here.

If you’d like to learn more about receiving funds to pay for home care through a HCBS waiver in the state of Minnesota, contact Best Home Care! We’ve helped hundreds of individuals receive the quality home care they need at an affordable price through these programs.