Understanding the Elderly Waiver Program in Minnesota

Meadow Woods on Ebenezer’s Martin Luther Campus is an assisted living and memory care location that accepts Elderly Waiver. The Elderly Waiver Program in Minnesota provides for care services to seniors who do not have the assets and/or to pay for assisted living communities. At Ebenezer Martin Luther Campus, we are committed to the wellbeing of seniors navigating this process. Below is a starting place to find out if you may be eligible for this program and what it will cover for your care.

NOTE: The federal program called Medicaid is commonly referred to as Medical Assistance and Elderly Waiver in the state of Minnesota.  
Eligibility Requirements for the Elderly Waiver ProgramTo qualify for the Elderly Waiver program in Minnesota, there are three criteria that must be met by applicants:

• Must be 65 years of age or older
  
• Must have need of assisted living and/or nursing home level of care: to include assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, and medication management
  
• Must meet financial eligibility requirements: total available assets must be under $3,000.  We recommend applying for Elderly Waiver when total assets are $10,000 or less.
  

Services Covered by the Elderly Waiver ProgramThe Elderly Waiver program covers the cost of a wide array of services in assisted living:
Home Health Aide ServicesProvides for an on-going care plan with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, light housekeeping, errands, and ambulating.  In our assisted living environment, home health aides are available 24 hours, 7 days a week by call button.
Meals and NutritionAll meals are provided at Meadow Woods Assisted Living with the Elderly Waiver. 

Activities
A calendar of engaging activities, lifelong learning and spiritual care is available with Elderly Waiver.
Specialized Medical Supplies and EquipmentFor seniors managing health conditions, Elderly Waiver often covers incontinence products, medical supplies, and assistive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and bath seats.
Adult Day ServicesFor those who require supervision during the day, adult day programs at two locations, Martin Luther Campus and Creekside Community Center in Bloomington, provide socialization and assistance with medications while allowing regular caregivers a break.

How to Apply for the Elderly Waiver ProgramSubmit Medical Assistance ApplicationCompleting the Medical Assistance application in the link below is the first step to apply. The application must be submitted to your county social services office. You will need to provide financial documentation to verify that you meet the income and asset guidelines. Instructions are provided in this Elderly Waiver MN program application.

Complete AssessmentAfter submitting an application, a County nurse will come to your home to complete an in person assessment to evaluate health conditions, capabilities, and need for care services. The assessment determines if you require an assisted living level of care or other level.
Get ApprovedFinally, the county will review your application and assessment to decide if you qualify for Elderly Waiver services. If approved, your county case worker will assist you in setting up care services to meet your needs.
Costs and Coverage of Elderly Waiver ServicesIf you qualify and are enrolled, the Elderly Waiver program will cover service costs for your care that you cannot pay yourself at an Assisted Living.  You will be required to pay for and manage any portion of rent and care as determined by the County at your income level.

Selecting Elderly Waiver Providers and ServicesThe Elderly Waiver program allows participants to have a role in choosing service providers.  Your county case worker can assist you in finding care providers where you may use Elderly Waiver and where it is accepted. You have the right to select your providers for services covered by your Elderly Waiver. 

Ongoing Eligibility Reviews and RequirementsAs an Elderly Waiver participant, your eligibility will be reviewed annually to ensure you still meet the requirements. Major life changes like increased income or changes in care level needed can impact ongoing eligibility. 

Additional Resources for the Elderly Waiver Program
Navigating the Elderly Waiver Program can be complex, but resources exist to help answer your questions. The Senior Linkage Line has a website and phone number to answer questions.  

https://mn.gov/senior-linkage-line/

(800) 333-2433

Connecting with other elderly waiver participants can also provide useful insights to inform your experience.

The Elderly Waiver provides a valuable benefit to seniors in need of care and support to continue living independently at home. Please reach out to us if you have any other questions!

Contact Amy James, Sales and Outreach Director at Meadow Woods for more information at 952-885-8882 and [email protected]