Waiver and Alternative Care (AC) programs provide home and community-based services (HCBS) to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults.  HCBS waivers meet the needs of people who choose to receive supports in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting.  For eligible people, these service options are available in addition to services covered by Medical Assistance (MA). (Note: People who choose the AC program do not have MA services.)

People with disabilities and older adults may qualify for waiver/AC programs if they choose to live in the community and require certain levels of care. The following programs are available to people who meet eligibility criteria:

• Alternative Care (AC): For older adults who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility and who are not yet eligible for MA
• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver: For people with a traumatic, acquired or degenerative BI who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility that provides specialized services for people with BI, or who require the level of care provided in a neurobehavioral hospital.
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver: For people with disabilities who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.
• Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver: For people who are chronically ill or medically fragile and require the level of care provided in a hospital.
• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver: For people with developmental disabilities or related conditions who require the level of care provided in an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD).
• Elderly Waiver (EW): For older adults who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

Example possible services:  respite, homemaker, chore services, family training and counseling, specialist services, family caregiver services