By Regina Woodard for Assisted Living Directory
An overview of Medicaid Programs and Help available in Kentucky for seniors, including Home & Community Based Waivers, New Supports for Community Living 2, Michelle P Waiver, and the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver.
Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is home to over four million people, making it the 26th most populated state in the US. And within these four million people, there are about 14% who are 65 years or older.
(Return to, or visit our Kentucky assisted living main page).
Kentucky has had some issues in addressing its elderly population, something that administrators and government officials have been trying to rectify so that their seniors are able to stay comfortably in their homes, should they wish it. Reports held the state at the bottom of the list when reviewing support for their elderly population. However, as recently as the end of 2014, the state has been making changes to some of their services – adding more provisions for more people – so that they can adequately meet the needs of those individuals who would rather stay in their homes or the community.
If you’re from the Bluegrass state, you’ll be happy to know there are programs to help you or your loved one with Medicaid waivers.
Home and Community Based Waivers
As with many states, Kentucky offers a few Home and Community Based Waivers program. The HCB waiver helps to provide care and support to those seniors who wish to stay within their homes or the community, thus avoiding being in a nursing facility. Under this program, seniors have a consumer directed option (CDO) which they can choose their own providers for non-medical services, while also allowing for friends or family members to be paid as caregivers.
Possible services that are included are – medical and personal assessments, case management, minor home adaptions, adult day care, and respite.
To be eligible for HCB, participants must be at least 65 years of age, require nursing home level of care, and meet the requirements for Kentucky’s Medicaid income limits.
New Supports for Community Living 2
The New Supports for Community Living 2 – SCL2 – is another alternative program designed to allow individuals to remain in their homes or the community without needing to go to a nursing facility. It is a continuation and updated version of the SCL1, with new provisions added.
Some of the services offered under this program include case management, community transition, day training for meaningful routines in the community, personal assistance services, residential support services, and technology assisted residential services. To be eligible, individuals must have intellectual and developmental disabilities and meet requirements for an intermediate care facility.
Michelle P Waiver
The Michelle P waiver was developed as another alternative for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities that want to stay within their homes. The MPW allows for 40 hours of services a week plus respite, either within their own homes or with the help of support services.
Some of the services that are available include supported employment, adult day training, community living supports, personal care services, attendant care, and others. To be eligible for this waiver, individuals must have an intellectual or developmental disability that manifested or onset before the age of 22, requires a protected environment in which to learn and be active, and must the financial eligibility for a Medicaid medical card.
Both the SCL2 and MPW can work together, giving extra provisions for those individuals who are intellectually and/or developmentally disabled.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
The ABI waiver is for those individuals who have suffered a brain injury and would like to re-enter community life. There is also an ABI for long term care, which is an alternative to institutional care for those individuals who have plateaued in their rehabilitation level. Some of the services offered for both of these waivers include case management, community living supports, personal care, respite, adult day health care, environmental modifications, behavior programming, specialized medical equipment and supplies, occupational therapy, family training, and more.
ABI and ABI LTC Application Process
To be eligible for one or both of these waivers, individuals need to be at least 18 years of age, meet the requirements for nursing facility care levels, have a diagnosis of an acquired brain injury which requires supervision, rehabilitation, and long term support, and be eligible for Medicaid services.
These are just some of the services that Kentucky offers for their elderly population. Recent changes have included adding opportunities for employment, as well as introducing new proposals for those who suffer from autism. Kentucky still has a bit to go, as mentioned above, but the state is aware of its shortcomings and is doing its best to address and rectify them.
In the meantime, if you’d like learn more about the above waivers, as well as any other information regarding Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, or services that are offered, please contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services at 502.564.1647 locally or at 1.877.807.4027. You can also visit the website here.
Resources
Kentucky to End Medicaid Waiver Services that Isolate Individuals
