A Service Coordinator (case manager) assists applicants in developing an Initial Service Plan (ISP), identifying the necessary services and supports to ensure the participant's well-being in the community.

Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act allows states to offer home and community-based services to Medicaid recipients who would otherwise need institutional care. New York's NHTD waiver, approved in 2007, provides alternative services to prevent institutionalization.

The program is based on the belief that seniors and individuals with physical disabilities have the right to control their lives, manage risks, and learn from their experiences. The program ensures a balance between independence and safeguarding participant well-being.

Success is measured by participant satisfaction, increased independence, self-reliance, community inclusion, and the ability to maintain a high quality of life while receiving necessary support services.

The Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver Program is a Medicaid-funded initiative in New York that helps seniors and individuals with physical disabilities receive comprehensive services while living in the community instead of in a nursing home or institution.

To qualify, individuals must be Medicaid-eligible, require a nursing home level of care, and be able to live safely in the community with available services. Applicants must be 65 or older, or between 18-64 with a verified physical disability.

The program offers a variety of home and community-based services tailored to each participant's needs, including personal care, case management, medical support, and home modifications to promote independence.

Yes. Participants are the primary decision-makers and can choose the services they receive, the providers they work with, and the goals they want to achieve, ensuring a personalized care plan.

Yes, eligible participants may receive a state-funded housing subsidy to help them live in the community. However, housing is not considered a waiver service and is subject to funding availability.

Applicants currently in a nursing home should consult their discharge planner, who can refer them to Open Doors or the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC). Those living in the community can contact the RRDC directly for guidance on the application process.