NHTD Medicaid Waiver (Nursing Home Transition and Diversion) This program is essential in supplying long term care services to individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions who choose to reside in their home or alternative community-based settings, as opposed to nursing homes. The programme is designed to support people to move out of inpatient care into a more independent life where they have control over their care.

This article discusses the NHTD Medicaid Waiver, including who’s eligible for NHTD Medicaid Waiver and what services it covers in order to help participants.

The NHTD Medicaid Waiver provides home and community-based services to individuals who would otherwise be eligible for nursing home care in New York State. It’s meant to help qualifying individuals get the care they need in their own home or in a community-based environment rather than in an institutional setting such as a nursing home. That waiver is part of Medicaid, the state and federal program providing health coverage for people with low income and few resources.

The waiver provides flexibility around the kinds of services and care a person can receive and focuses on preventing people from having to live in a facility and to keep people as independent as possible.

The NHTD Medicaid Waiver has specific eligibility criteria that applicants need to meet, which include:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old and usually less than 65 years old.

Disability or Chronic Condition: The applicant should have a disability or chronic medical condition that necessitates long-term care in a nursing facility or other institutional setting.

Eligibility: Applicants are required to be eligible for Medicaid. Because eligibility for Medicaid is based on income and resources, applicants must meet the financial guidelines of the program.

Ability to live independently: In order to be eligible, the individual must be able to live in the community with services provided for them through the NHTD program. They should not need 24-hour medical supervision only available in an institutional setting.

Intake / Application: An individual has to go through an evaluation done to judge his medical needs and function to establish whether or not he requires services and what program he may qualify for.

The NHTD Medicaid Waiver offers numerous services that support individuals to live at home, while receiving the needed services in the community. Key Services (among others) are:

Case Management: An assigned care manager assists in developing and coordinating the person’s care plan, while ensuring that the necessary services are provided.

Home Modifications Include: Modifications to the person's home to make it accessible (i.e. wheelchair ramps, bathroom adaptations).

Community Integration: programs focusing on helping individuals participate in community activities, including recreational and social support services.

Transportation: Help with getting to medical appointments, social engagements or work.

Respite Care: Temporary relief for family members and primary caregivers, enabling them to step away from caregiving responsibilities

• Assistive Device — a device or set of equipment to aid a person to perform a task they otherwise would be unable due to a physical status, such as a mobility aid or a communication device.

Nursing and Medical Services: Certain nursing and medical services might be covered depending on the need.

Eligible individuals first need to be assessed for NHTD Medicaid Waiver access. The assessment considers the individual’s medical and functional needs. When eligible, members collaborate with their care coordinator to create a customized care plan that specifies what services they’ll receive.

The waiver is designed to be flexible, so as needs change, services can be altered. For instance, if a person’s condition stabilizes or deteriorates, his or her care plan can be adjusted so that the person continues to receive the right amount of support.

The benefits of the NHTD Medicaid Waiver program include:

Independent Living: Individuals have more freedom of choice, as they will be allowed to live in their homes or other community-based facilities.

Better Quality Of Life: It helps you maintain your quality of life by allowing you to stay in familiar environments.

Reduced costs: Community care is often cheaper than institutional care, which can reduce the burden on the state (or the individual).

Choice and Control: Participants control what services and whom they receive care from. It also gives them greater control over their lives and care plans.

Caregiver Assistant: The program provides respite care and other services to help family caregivers cope with the stress and burnout that can accompany caregiving responsibilities.

If you or someone you love is interested in applying for the NHTD Medicaid Waiver, here are the general steps to follow:

Contact Your Local Medicaid Office — Call your local New York State Medicaid office or a Medicaid Managed Care Plan to ask about the NHTD program.

Medicaid and NHTD Waiver Eligibility: You will need to provide documentation on your eligibility for Medicaid and the NHTD waiver.

Holistic Evaluation: We evaluate your medical and functional needs to see if the NHTD program meets your needs.

This includes you working with a care coordinator to create an individualized care plan that will lay the foundation for your care based on your specific needs and preferences.

Receive Services: Once your care plan has been approved, services will be delivered to you via your home or other community-based setting. Your plan of care will be assessed on a routine basis and modified as needed.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Through NHTD Medicaid Waiver Program The NHTD Medicaid Waiver program is an important community initiative that supports individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions to live independently and receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. Providing comprehensive support services, the program enables individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Start exploring the NHTD Medicaid Waiver today with this article and help others that may benefit from it, too. This program can provide much-needed help with proper planning and coordination that can ultimately lead to a healthier life for individuals requiring long-term care services.