The Department of Public Welfare offers several different waiver programs that fund services for individuals who may qualify.
They have announced that they intend to re-open the OBRA and COMMCare waivers, which have been closed to new enrollees for the last few years. What does this mean? ◦ More people will be able to gain access to services that allow them to live as independently as possible within their community.
DDesigned to avoid eventual nursing home placement by receiving therapy services that enable someone to live more independently in their homes and communities. To be eligible, you must be: AA resident of Pennsylvania AAge *even if they are still in school HHave a severe developmental physical disability requiring an Intermediate Care Facility/Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care TThe disability must result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities: ◦S◦Self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction and capacity for independent living. MMeet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office
SServes people who have a diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury and are eligible for nursing home services but live in their own homes. Allows individuals to receive community-based services in an effort to prevent admission to nursing homes. To be eligible, you must be: BBe a Pennsylvania resident BBe 21 years of age or older HHave a medically determinable diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and require a Nursing Facility (NF) level of care MMeet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office
The Office of Long Term Living submitted their expected costs to the Department of Public Welfare. Anticipating Approximately 1100 additional people to be able to access services. No set date for re-opening – started to send out re- evaluation letters to consumers on the waiting lists. OBRA waiting list – 16 people COMMCare waiting list- 125 people Once waivers re-open will NOT be on first come first served basis – two tiered priority system ◦ People currently in nursing homes or imminent risk of placement ◦ Everyone else in order of entry onto waiting list
Services available may include: Adult Daily Living Accessibility Adaptations, Equipment, Technology and Medical Supplies Community Integration Community Transition Services Financial Management Services Home Health Non-Medical Transportation Personal Assistance Services Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Prevocational Services Residential Habilitation Services Respite Service Coordination Structured Day Habilitation Services Supported Employment Therapeutic and Counseling Services
Please join us at STEPS for an information session regarding the re-opening of the OBRA and COMMCare waivers. An informal discussion on how to apply/ reapply to the waivers and new updates on the reopening of the waivers. Our referral coordinator will be available to answer question and help with the process of applying. Date: Thursday 21 st November 2013 Time: 2:30-6:30pm Address: 669 Exton Commons, Exton, PA Please R.S.V.P to Stacey Henrich ext: 115
For more information, contact our Referral Coordinator, Meghan Ascuitto x Exton Commons Exton, PA Support – Teamwork – Experience – Purpose – Success!