Share This
Print
E-mail
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Medicaid Waiver
What are Medicaid Waivers?
Medicaid pays for long term care services in nursing homes. For nursing home qualified persons that choose to live at home or in a residential community, Medicaid will pay for those services if they can be obtained at a lower cost. These are called Home and Community Based Services, Waiver Funded Services, Medicaid Waivers or simply Waivers.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Waiver Overview
This Medicaid Waiver provides home and community based services to seniors who require nursing facility services but choose to live in their own homes or in other community living arrangements and receive care in those locations. It is also referred to as the PA Council of Aging Waiver and PDA Waiver and the Home and Community-Based Waiver for Individuals Aged 60 and Over.
Under this waiver, certain goods, supports and services can be participant directed or self-directed. This means the individual has a say in from whom they purchase goods or care services. Pennsylvania also has a more robust program which allows the individual even greater control of their care providers called the Services My Way Program.
Under this waiver, certain goods, supports and services can be participant directed or self-directed. This means the individual has a say in from whom they purchase goods or care services. Pennsylvania also has a more robust program which allows the individual even greater control of their care providers called the Services My Way Program.
What are the Qualifications for PA Department of Aging Waiver
In addition to living in PA, residents must be at least 60+ years old and require the level of care typically provided in a nursing home.
Applicants also must be financially qualified to receive Medicaid and the PDA Waiver. This is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 60 months. For 2012, in Pennsylvania, residents must have a monthly income of less than $2,094. The countable asset limit (their total resources not including home or vehicle) is $8,000. IMPORTANT* Even though, one's income or assets may exceed these limits, most individuals can still qualify for Medicaid.
Many families find themselves in an awkward position where their loved one has enough income and assets that they do not qualify for Medicaid but not enough so that they can afford to pay for their care. Fortunately, there are many exceptions to what is considered income and countable assets. For example, one's car and home can be considered exempt from their countable assets. Income in excess of the limit can be allocated to a pooled income trust thereby enabling the individual to meet the Medicaid limit and qualify for assistance.
Creating a funeral trust is another simple and common technique used to help qualify for Medicaid. Given the expense of funerals and the fact that everyone will eventually require one, it makes sense to allocate money in advance to cover the funeral and associated expenses. A funeral trust is considered an exempt asset from Medicaid, therefore by creating one, a family can prepare for an inevitable need without having to plan the details and lower their countable assets to help qualify for Medicaid. Learn more about establishing a funeral trust.
Not qualifying for Medicaid can be devastating to the comfort of an individual, their family’s finances and even their health. For these reasons, Medicaid planners exist to ensure families have the best chance of acceptance into the program. With care costing $1000’s / month, there is a strong incentive to use a Medicaid Planner. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
Applicants also must be financially qualified to receive Medicaid and the PDA Waiver. This is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 60 months. For 2012, in Pennsylvania, residents must have a monthly income of less than $2,094. The countable asset limit (their total resources not including home or vehicle) is $8,000. IMPORTANT* Even though, one's income or assets may exceed these limits, most individuals can still qualify for Medicaid.
Many families find themselves in an awkward position where their loved one has enough income and assets that they do not qualify for Medicaid but not enough so that they can afford to pay for their care. Fortunately, there are many exceptions to what is considered income and countable assets. For example, one's car and home can be considered exempt from their countable assets. Income in excess of the limit can be allocated to a pooled income trust thereby enabling the individual to meet the Medicaid limit and qualify for assistance.
Creating a funeral trust is another simple and common technique used to help qualify for Medicaid. Given the expense of funerals and the fact that everyone will eventually require one, it makes sense to allocate money in advance to cover the funeral and associated expenses. A funeral trust is considered an exempt asset from Medicaid, therefore by creating one, a family can prepare for an inevitable need without having to plan the details and lower their countable assets to help qualify for Medicaid. Learn more about establishing a funeral trust.
Not qualifying for Medicaid can be devastating to the comfort of an individual, their family’s finances and even their health. For these reasons, Medicaid planners exist to ensure families have the best chance of acceptance into the program. With care costing $1000’s / month, there is a strong incentive to use a Medicaid Planner. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
What are the Services / Benefits Provided under the PA Department of Aging Waiver
-Adult Daily Living Services (Adult Day Care)
-Attendant Care (Personal Care)
-Community Transition Services (Moving Assistance)
-Companion Services (Escort)
-Counseling
-Environmental Accessibility Modifications (Home or Vehicle)
-Financial Management Services
-Home Health Services
-Home Medical Equipment and Supplies
-Meal Delivery (Hot or Prepared)
-Non-Medical Transportation
-Personal Emergency Response (PER) System
-Respite Care Services (Temporary Caregiver Relief)
PA Department of Aging Waiver Program Availability
While previously only available in certain areas of the state, the PDA Waiver is now available statewide in all 67 counties. One can learn more about the program on the following website. To apply individuals should contact their local County Assistance Office.
