What is the New Choices Waiver

Posted on

Oct 27, 2015

Share This


The New Choices Waiver is Medicaid program designed to help nursing home residents move to more independent community settings, whenever possible, without compromising medical or safety needs. The basic eligibility requirements are:

Must be a least 21 years of age.
Must have resided in a nursing home for a minimum of 90 days and be medically eligible for Medicaid long term care; or, must have resided in a nursing home for a minimum of 30 days on a Medicare stay and be eligible for Medicaid long term care at the end of the Medicare stay.
Medicaid or Medicare must have paid for the nursing home stay for a minimum of 30 days immediately prior to discharge on New Choices Waiver.

Referrals are done directly with the Long Term Care Bureau at the Department of Health and can be made to either Kathleen Bowman at 538-6497, or Vicki Ruesch at 538-6148.

Eligible referrals are given their choice of case management agencies who will first conduct an assessment to see if the person can have their care needs safely managed outside of the nursing home. If that is possible, the case management agency will work with the person to find a placement that can manage their needs.Potential placements include assisted living, residential settings, independent living, or home with family.Waiver participants are required to pay for their own room and board costs (generally between $400 and $700 per month) and the New Choices Waiver pays for the services provided at the facility. The case management agency will also help arrange for other needed services such as home health, medical equipment, medical supplies, homemaker services, budget assistance, and respite care.

Case managers remain involved on an ongoing basis to help coordinate medical and mental health care, changes in service needs, changes in placement sites, and hospital admissions and discharges. Case managers are also available to provide ongoing care assessments and help with problem solving any issues related to service and placement.

For more information please contact either Jim Reichelt or Don Fennimore with FlexCare at 273-6366.FlexCare has been a case management provider for these services since 2000 and has successfully moved over 1,400 individuals back into the community.



Author:Jim Reichelt or Don Fennimore

Other Articles You May Like

How to Apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid in Colorado

How to Apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid in ColoradoApplying for Medicaid can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to long-term care. However, with the right guidance and resources, the process can be much smoother. This guide is designed for seniors, caregivers, and Colorado residents to help them understand how to apply for long-term care Medicaid in Colorado. Understanding Long-Term Care MedicaidLong-term care Medicaid provides financial assistance to those who need help with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It covers care provided in various settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even at home. Why You Shouldn't Apply AloneGiven the high volume of applications and the complexity of the process, we do not recommend submitting an application on your own. Mistakes can delay approval or result in denial. Should you choose to apply on your own, we will give you the information and tools you need during our free initial consultation with you. Schedule a free consultation here  - calendly.com/doinggoodforothers Steps to Apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid in ColoradoStep 1: Find The Applicants DHS OfficeThe first step in applying for Medicaid in Colorado is to find the applicants local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. This is where you will submit your financial application. Find the Applicants DHS office here - cdhs.colorado.gov/contact-your-county Step 2: Submit a Financial ApplicationOnce you have located your local DHS office, you will need to submit a financial application. This form will require detailed information about your income, assets, and expenses. Step 3: Determine Financial EligibilityBefore proceeding with the application, it's crucial to determine if you qualify financially for Medicaid or VA Aid & Attendance benefits. Strategies exist to access benefits while protecting your personal assets, and a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) can help you maximize your benefits. Find out if you qualify - doinggoodforothers.com/financialinformation Step 4: Schedule a Health AssessmentAfter qualifying financially, you will need to schedule a level of care assessment, also known as a health assessment, with the Applicants Single Entry Point. This evaluation will determine the level of care you require. Schedule a health assessment - hcfp.colorado.gov/case-management-agency-directory Step 5: Skip the Hassle of Applying Alone Schedule an AppointmentIf you find the application process overwhelming, you can skip figuring out how to apply on your own by scheduling an appointment with our experts.  Schedule an appointment with a Certified Medicaid Planner - calendly.com/doinggoodforothers Our 4-Step Process for Application AssuranceWe have developed a streamlined 4-step process to help you feel relief about your loved ones care and save money. 1. Schedule a Free Initial ConsultationLearn more about what we can do to preserve your assets by scheduling a free initial consultation. 2. Make a PlanThrough an assessment of your financial circumstances, we will create a roadmap of the best options for you. 3. Pick an OptionWe explore legitimate opportunities to preserve your assets. 4. Gain BenefitsSelect the best option, and we will complete a successful application for gained benefits. Applying for long-term care Medicaid in Colorado doesn't have to be stressful. By following these steps and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure a smoother application process and maximize your benefits.For personalized assistance, schedule a free consultation with one of our Certified Medicaid Planners (CMP) today. Learn more and schedule now! - calendly.com/doinggoodforothers

Top 5 Questions A Certified Medicaid Planner Encounters: Insights for Healthcare Pros and Caregivers

Hello, allow us to introduce ourselves! We are Beneficent, and we provide trustworthy long-term care guidance for deeply caring family members facing a critical long-term care financial crisis.Beneficent helps clients understand, prepare, and qualify for programs covering high costs of Long-term Care including assisted living, adult day care, home care, or skilled nursing homes for seniors and disabled adults.As Certified Medicaid Planers Read our Top 5 questions we hear most.Must I spend down to $2,000 to apply for long-term care Medicaid? No, reducing your assets to $2,000 is not the only route to qualify for Long-term Care Medicaid if your income exceeds the limits. By leveraging legal strategies within Medicaid regulations, we can assist in navigating the income requirements.For 2024, a single applicant is expected to have a resource limit of $2,000, while the limit for a married applicant is about $150,000 If I accept Medicaid assistance will I lose my home?Once a Medicaid recipient passes, the state may seek reimbursement of the amount they paid for in long-term care costs. However, proper planning can protect a home and other assets from a Medicaid claim.I have been told I make too much money to qualify for Long-term Care Medicaid?The best way to figure out your best options is to schedule your first free initial consultation with Beneficent on our home page. (www.doinggoodforothers.com)During that time, we'll review and evaluate your assets to determine if we can help you qualify for a long-term plan4. Is Medicaid Planning legal and ethical?Proper Medicaid planning is legal and ethical and it works to ensure that all rules and regulations are followed.Medicaid planning seeks out effective methods of securing eligibility while preserving assets for the future benefit of the applicant and the applicants loved ones5. Should I apply for Medicaid or VA Aid + Attandance on my own?We appreciate your determination to tackle the application process independently. However, it's important to note that many individuals find themselves facing denials due to the complexity of the process.To support you, we offer a complimentary 1-hour consultation where we share our expertise on how to file for and qualify for these benefitscompletely free of charge.If you feel prepared to dedicate the significant amount of time required and are ready to manage the intricate details involved, we are more than willing to equip you with all the necessary information. Our goal is to ensure that you are informed and confident in whichever path you choose to take, whether it's proceeding on your own or seeking further assistance. Remember, our guidance during the consultation is meant to empower you with knowledge, but navigating the process can still be a challenging endeavor. Call us to schedule an appointment. 719.645.8350 - OR - read more of our FAQs on our website. www.doinggoodforothers.com/faqs 

The Top 5 Misconceptions about Long-term Care Medicaid Eligibility

What You Have HeardAsk yourself, was the info you heard from a Certified Medicaid Planner?Medicaid Misconception #1 - You can only have $2,000.FACTSSingle applicants have a resource limit of $2,000. (in 2024) A married applicant has a resource limit of about $150,000. (in 2024)Medicaid Misconception #2 - Your home will be taken from you if you are on Medicaid.FACTSAll applicants are allowed to have 1 home and 1 car. There are ways to avoid Medicaid estate recovery, an applicant can receive Medicaid and keep their home.Medicaid Misconception #3 - You make too much money.FACTS If you are over the income limit, Beneficent can provide the legal steps using the Medicaid code to bypass being over the income limit.Medicaid Misconception #4 - You must spend down to $2,000 to qualify for Medicaid.FACTSThis is an option, however not your only option. If you want to preserve the hard-earned assets you or your loved one has worked their entire life, you can!Medicaid Misconception #5 - Why doesnt everyone apply for Long-term Care Medicaid if the other outcome statements are true?FACTSMany are deceived by misinformation and preconceived notions. There's a game-changer you need to know about - Certified Medicaid Planners (CMP) - we know the rules and regulations.You can find all the CMPs in the United States here, (https://cmpboard.org/locate-a-cmp/)  there arent too many of us! Need to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Medicaid Planners at Beneficent? Book here (https://calendly.com/doinggoodforothers) or call our office (719.645.8350) for more appointment times.