By David Ramos, RN
Medicaid in Louisiana has different types of home care programs that are meant to address individuals with various needs. The administration of these programs is done by two main offices: the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) and the Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS). Knowing what each office offers will enable families and individuals make informed choices about their health care needs.
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)
The OCDD manages several programs that aid in supporting people affected by developmental disabilities. These programs consist of a range of services that intend to improve quality of life and promote independence. Key programs under OCDD include:
- Children’s Choice Waiver (CCW)
- Eligibility: Children under 21 with developmental disabilities.
- Services: Supports include respite care, family support, and specialized medical equipment.
- Benefits: Allows children to live at home or in the community rather than in institutional settings.
- Children’s Choice Waiver Factsheet
- New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
- Eligibility: Individuals with significant developmental disabilities.
- Services: Comprehensive care including personal care assistance, community integration, and supported employment.
- Benefits: Designed to support community living and integration.
- New Opportunities Waiver Factsheet
- Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
- Eligibility: Individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Services: Includes residential habilitation, community living supports, and professional services.
- Benefits: Focuses on providing living arrangements that promote independence and community participation.
- Residential Options Waiver Factsheet
Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS)
The OAAS caters to older adults and individuals with adult-onset disabilities, providing programs that help them remain in their homes and communities. Notable programs under OAAS include:
- Long Term Personal Care Services (LTPCS)
- Eligibility: Adults aged 21 and over who require assistance with daily living activities.
- Services: Personal care assistance, including help with bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
- Benefits: Supports individuals in maintaining independence and avoiding institutional care.
- Long Term Personal Care Services Factsheet
- Community Choices Waiver (CCW)
- Eligibility: Adults aged 65 and over or individuals with disabilities aged 21 and over.
- Services: Personal care services, home modifications, assistive devices, and caregiver respite.
- Benefits: Provides comprehensive support to enable individuals to live safely and comfortably at home.
- Community Choices Waiver Factsheet
Qualification Criteria
To qualify for these Medicaid programs, applicants typically need to meet certain criteria:
- Residency: Must be a resident of Louisiana.
- Financial Eligibility: Income and asset limits as defined by Medicaid guidelines.
- Medical Necessity: A documented need for the level of care provided by the specific program.
Applying for Medicaid Home Care Program
Applying for these programs involves several steps:
- Initial Assessment: Contacting the appropriate office (OCDD or OAAS) for an initial assessment.
- Documentation: Providing necessary medical and financial documentation to demonstrate eligibility.
- Approval and Service Planning: Once approved, a personalized care plan is developed to address the individual’s specific needs.
A First Name Basis: Comprehensive Home Care
All Medicaid programs mentioned above are accepted by A First Name Basis which provides holistic and supportive home care all over Louisiana. Through this approach, we ensure that clients receive full benefits from these programs.
The Medicaid home care programs in Louisiana are a crucial lifeline to disabled persons and elderly people. Accessing these resources requires that an individual understand the various programs of the OCDD and OAAS, as well as the qualifications and application procedures. These benefits also improve life for many of Louisiana’s inhabitants as they ensure complete care as well as support. In order to deliver a professional home health service, A First Name Basis is ready to accept any of these Medicaid programs so that their customers can receive quality health services.