MEDICAID HOME-BASED WAIVER
In 1987 the State of Vermont initiated the Home-Based Medicaid Waiver program which was designed to provide a care alternative for people who require nursing home level care. The Waiver program gives the individual a choice to remain in the community, often continuing to live in his  own home. Addison County Home Health and Hospice was the first agency in the state to provide Home-Based Waiver services to individuals and is currently an agency designated by the Agency of Human Services to administer the Medicaid Waiver program in Addison County.
To qualify for the Medicaid Home-Based Waiver program, in addition to needing nursing home level care, the individual must meet the Medicaid long term care financial requirements. A Medicaid Waiver representative will be available to assist the individual or family in determining financial eligibility.

Once the requirements are met, a nurse case manager assesses the individual patient to determine the type of care to be provided and the number of hours the patient can expect to receive services. Direct services are then provided by a personal care attendant (PCA). The PCA is hired by the case manager or in some cases selected by the patient. Often when the patient selects the PCA it is because a friend or relative is willing to assume the responsibilities of the PCA.

The case manager works collaboratively with the patient to assure that services provided are consistently satisfactory. If changes occur in the patient’s level of care, the case manager will formally reassess the patient and request additional hours of services for the patient.

In addition to case management and personal care attendant services, the Medicaid Home-Based Waiver program will also provide funds for respite care and adult day care services.