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Minnesota Alternative Care (AC) Program
Overview of the Alternative Care Program
The Minnesota Alternative Care Program is designed to allow seniors who are at risk for nursing home placement to remain living at home or the home of a caregiver and receive services and care in those locations.
Under the Alternative Care Program, Participants have the option of self-directing their care through Consumer Directed Community Supports. This option is designed after the Medicaid Cash and Counseling model in which participants are given the flexibility to hire their own personal care providers including family members. For example, the adult children of aging parents can be paid as caregivers. A fiscal intermediary is used to manage payroll services.
Under the Alternative Care Program, Participants have the option of self-directing their care through Consumer Directed Community Supports. This option is designed after the Medicaid Cash and Counseling model in which participants are given the flexibility to hire their own personal care providers including family members. For example, the adult children of aging parents can be paid as caregivers. A fiscal intermediary is used to manage payroll services.
Alternative Care Program Eligibility
To be eligible, Minnesota residents must be 65 or older and assessed and found to have the need for nursing home care. They cannot be enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid. Their assets and income must be inadequate to fund a nursing facility stay for more than 135 days (roughly less than $20,000).
Benefits / Services Provided under the Alternative Care Program
The care supports and services provided under the Alternative Care program differ by county and by the needs of the individual. During enrollment, each individual is thoroughly assessed to determine their specific care needs. Individuals may be provided with any of the following services:
-Adult day care
-Caregiver training
-Case management services
-Chore services
-Companion services
-Environmental accessibility adaptations
-Home health aides
-Home-delivered meals
-Homemaker services
-Medical equipment and supplies
-Personal care services
-Respite care
-Skilled nursing
-Transportation assistance
-Adult day care
-Caregiver training
-Case management services
-Chore services
-Companion services
-Environmental accessibility adaptations
-Home health aides
-Home-delivered meals
-Homemaker services
-Medical equipment and supplies
-Personal care services
-Respite care
-Skilled nursing
-Transportation assistance
How to Apply for the Alternative Care Program
Minnesota AC Program is managed the county social service offices. One can contact a Long-Term Care Consultation Intake worker or call the statewide toll-free phone number to begin the application process at 1-800-333-2433.
Use our Eldercare Financial Resource Locator Tool to find other public and private programs that can help pay for or reduce the costs of long term care for the elderly.
