W A I V E R P R O G R A M
Minnesota's waiver funding system utilizes federal Medicaid waivers and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs to fund care for individuals in their homes and communities rather than in institutions.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) administers these programs, however these programs have limitations that don't allow for many of the things that most of us take for granted such as travel to another state, purchasing and owning a home, or getting additional education. This program combined with Social Security for many are no more than base poverty level. Most run out of food and resources before the end of the month. Many can't even pay their rent or bills consistently.
Key Waiver Programs Include
Elderly Waiver (EW): Funds services for individuals 65 years and older who qualify for Medical Assistance, need a nursing home level of care, but choose to live in the community.
Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver: Supports children and adults with disabilities who require a nursing facility level of care, enabling them to live in the community. Services include personal care, homemaker services, adult day services, respite care, and supported employment.
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver: Provides home and community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities or related conditions needing the level of care provided in an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD).
Brain Injury (BI) Waiver and Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver also exist.
Alternative Care (AC) Program: Offers support for seniors who do not yet qualify for Medical Assistance but need home-based care.
Eligibility
Eligibility generally requires Medical Assistance eligibility and a need for institutional level of care, with the choice to live in the community.
Specific requirements vary by waiver, with some, like the DD Waiver, requiring specific diagnoses and functional assessments.
The primary purpose of these waivers is to promote independence, safety, and community integration by offering alternatives to institutionalization.
They do not assist in achieving higher goals such as home ownership, better jobs, further education, or greater mobility.