Medicaid Waiver
The Medicaid Waiver Program is an alternative for nursing home placement for individuals who meet both the financial and medical criteria. The program offers in-home services such as homemaker, personal care, skilled & unskilled respite care and frozen home-delivered meals. The services provided to clients are determined based on the individual's needs. The program allows eligible clients to remain living independently in their homes.
Management Team
Shelia Bentley
Medicaid Waiver Director
sbentley@nacolg.org
Elizabeth Hanback
Clinical Coordinator/Social Work
ehanback@nacolg.org
Amanda Blankenship
Medicaid Waiver Case Manager III
ablankenship@nacolg.org
Haley Garner
Medicaid Waiver Case Manager III
hgarner@nacolg.org
Kayla Hunt
Medicaid Waiver Case Manager III
khunt@nacol.org
Jan Kennedy
Clinical Coordinator, RN
jkennedy@nacolg.org
Ashley Yerbey
Personal Choices Supervisor
ayerbey@nacolg.org
Department Contacts:
Bentley, Shelia
Medicaid Waiver Director
sbentley@nacolg.org
256-389-0523
Anyone who may need to be added to the referral list should contact the Aging and Disability Resource Specialist at (256) 389-0530.
Medicaid Waiver Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicaid Waiver Program?
The Medicaid Waiver Program provides eligible individuals with home- and community-based services as an alternative to nursing home placement. The program is designed to help participants remain as safe and independent as possible in their own homes.
Who may qualify for Medicaid Waiver services?
Applicants must meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. A formal assessment is required to determine whether an individual qualifies and which services may be appropriate.
Do I have to be eligible for nursing home care?
The program is intended for individuals whose medical and functional needs would otherwise make nursing home placement appropriate. Meeting this level of care is only one part of eligibility; applicants must also meet Medicaid’s financial and program requirements.
What services are available through the Medicaid Waiver Program?
Depending on an individual’s assessed needs, services may include:
Homemaker assistance
Personal-care assistance
Skilled respite care
Unskilled respite care
Frozen home-delivered meals
Case management and service coordination
Not every participant receives every service.
What is homemaker assistance?
Homemaker services help with certain routine household tasks that an eligible individual may be unable to complete independently. The particular assistance provided is determined through the participant’s assessment and care plan.
What does personal-care assistance include?
Personal-care services may help an eligible participant with activities of daily living. The type and amount of assistance are based on the person’s needs and approved service plan.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary support for the person receiving care so that a regular family caregiver can rest, attend appointments or handle other responsibilities. The program may provide skilled or unskilled respite care based on the participant’s needs.
Does the Medicaid Waiver Program provide meals?
Frozen home-delivered meals may be included in an eligible participant’s service plan. Meal availability is based on assessed needs and program approval.
Can I choose which services I receive?
Services are selected according to the individual’s medical, functional and personal needs. A case manager works with the participant and others involved in their care to develop an appropriate service plan.
Can Medicaid Waiver services help someone avoid moving into a nursing home?
That is the program’s purpose. Medicaid Waiver services provide eligible individuals with support in their homes as an alternative to institutional care. However, approval depends on medical and financial eligibility as well as the availability of appropriate services.
Is Medicaid Waiver the same as regular Medicaid?
No. Medicaid Waiver programs provide specific home- and community-based services to eligible individuals who meet additional medical, financial and program requirements. Having Medicaid coverage does not automatically mean someone qualifies for waiver services.
Can I apply if I do not currently receive Medicaid?
Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center to discuss your circumstances. Staff can explain the referral process and help identify the agencies responsible for financial and medical eligibility determinations.
Is there an age requirement?
Eligibility is based on the requirements of the particular waiver program, along with the applicant’s medical and financial circumstances. Contact NACOLG for an individual review rather than assuming that age alone determines eligibility.
Does applying guarantee that I will receive services?
No. A referral or application does not guarantee approval. Eligibility, assessed needs, program requirements and service availability are considered before services can begin.
How do I get added to the Medicaid Waiver referral list?
To request placement on the referral list, contact the NACOLG Aging and Disability Resource Specialist at 256-389-0530.
Be prepared to provide information about the person needing assistance, their living situation and the type of support they may require.
Can a family member make a referral?
Yes. A family member, caregiver or other concerned individual may contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center to ask that someone be considered for the referral list. Additional information and authorization may be required during the assessment process.
What happens after a referral is made?
Program staff will explain the next steps, which may include gathering financial information, reviewing medical and functional needs and completing an assessment. The process and timing can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and program availability.
What areas does NACOLG’s Medicaid Waiver Program serve?
NACOLG serves residents throughout Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties.
This includes people seeking in-home Medicaid Waiver services near Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Russellville, Hamilton, Haleyville and other Northwest Alabama communities.