Page Reviewed / Updated – March 23, 2023

Program Description

The Vermont Adult Day Services program is for seniors over the age of 65, as well as for those 18 years of age and older with a cognitive or physical disability. Adult Day Services is often referred to as Adult Day Care or Adult Day Health, or in Medicaid-speak, Day Health Rehabilitation Services.

This program is intended to help individuals continue to live in the community at large, rather than require institutionalization, such as nursing home care. This is achieved by providing daytime supervision and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), recreational and therapeutic activities, and meals in approved, nonresidential, adult day care centers. The Adult Day Services program also offers respite to relieve primary caregivers of their caregiving duties.

While the adult day care facilities are private entities, the Adult Services Division (ASD) of the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living certifies them. ASD is under the Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHC).

Eligibility Guidelines

General Requirements

To be eligible for the Vermont Adult Day Services program, individuals must be residents of Vermont who are at least 65 years old, or are a minimum of 18 years of age and disabled. Disabilities can include chronic conditions such as COPD, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Since all the Adult Day Service providers are private entities, each facility is responsible for establishing their own eligibility criteria. Therefore, further criteria may differ based on the provider, such as the amount of assistance an applicant requires.

Financial Requirements

To have Adult Day Services covered by Medicaid, also called Green Mountain Care in Vermont, one must be eligible for Choices for Care or Community Medicaid. Community Medicaid requirements are largely financial in nature and vary depending on the applicant’s age and marital status.

Income Limits

For individuals age 65 or older, a one-person or two-person household can have up to $1,258 in monthly income. There is one exception, which is for those residing in Chittenden County. Here, a one-person or two-person household can have a higher monthly income limit of $1,358. These are the current limits as of 2023.

Asset Limits

A countable asset limit also exists for persons 65 and older. Single applicants are allowed combined assets valued at no greater than $2,000, while married applicants can have up to $3,000. However, many common assets are exempt from that figure, including one’s home (with an equity interest value up to $688,000 in 2023), a car, home furnishings, personal items, and burial plots or burial insurance.

Please Note: Past asset transfers are also considered to ensure an applicant has not given away assets for the sake of qualifying for Medicaid. This is called the Medicaid Look-Back Period, and if one is found to be in violation of this 5-year period, one may be ineligible for Medicaid for a given length of time.

Over the Financial Limits?

Persons over the financial eligibility limits above need not be discouraged. Professional Medicaid planners are skilled in restructuring finances to enable persons financially qualify for Medicaid without violating any regulations. Learn more here.

Benefits and Services

Adult Day Services offers a wide variety of services, which may vary by location. They can include:

  • Nursing services, such as checking vital signs and medication management
  • Activities to improve physical and cognitive functioning
  • Activities to foster socialization
  • Assistance with personal care, such as grooming and toiletry
  • Snacks and meals
  • Health education
  • Respite care

Transportation to and from the adult day care center may also be provided. 

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How to Apply / Learn More

For limited information about the Adult Day Services program, click here

Throughout the state of Vermont, there are currently (as of August 2022) 13 adult day care providers. To apply for Adult Day Services, contact the provider in your area.