Overview of Programs

Programs include:

  • Community Options Waiver (CO)
  • Community First Choice (CFC)
  • Community Personal Assistance Service (CPAS)

Community Options Waiver (CO)
Community Options Waiver (CO) serves individuals who are medically, technically and financially eligible for services in a community setting. Eligible individuals must:

  • Be age 18 or over
  • Choose to receive services in the community
  • Have a cost-neutral plan of services that supports the individual living safely in the community
  • Require a nursing facility level of care

Application Process:
Anyone currently living in a nursing facility and receiving long-term care Medicaid can apply to receive services in the community. Please contact your social worker at the nursing facility to begin the process. The Community Options Waiver (CO) is currently not accepting applications from the community but individuals who are interested in being screened for services can contact the Maryland Access Point (MAP) number at 410-386-3800. Once screened an individual’s name will be added to the Statewide Registry and they will be notified by the Maryland Department of Health when they are eligible to apply for services.

Services:
A summarized list is as follows:

  • Assisted Living
  • Personal assistance services
  • Nurse monitoring
  • Support planning services
  • Environmental assessment
  • Environmental accessibility adaptations
  • Assistive technology
  • Behavior consultation services
  • Respite care services
  • Personal Emergency Response System
  • Home delivered meals
  • Family and consumer training
  • Medical adult daycare
  • Senior center plus services
  • Transition services

 

Community First Choice (CFC)
Community First Choice (CFC) serves individuals who are Medicaid eligible and require a nursing facility level of care. A summarized list of services covered by CFC are:

  • Personal assistance services
  • Nurse monitoring
  • Support planning services
  • Environmental assessment
  • Environmental accessibility adaptations
  • Assistive technology
  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Personal Emergency Response System

Community Personal Assistance Services
Community Personal Assistance Service (CPAS) provides personal care services, including assistance with activities of daily living, to Medicaid recipients who have a chronic illness, medical condition or disability. Services covered by CPAS are:

  • Personal Assistance Services
  • Nurse Monitoring
  • Support Planning Services

Health-Related Services and Supports

Overview of Services

The three programs, Community Options Waiver (CO), Community First Choice (CFC), and Community Personal Assistance Service (CPAS), each provide some of the following services. Please refer to each program for which services are provided under that program.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living is a residential program that provides housing and supportive services for individuals who need assistance in performing activities of daily living, such as eating, toileting and dressing. Assisted living facilities may be licensed to provide up to three levels of care. Individuals determined eligible for CO Waiver services may receive Level 2 or Level 3 care. A resident who needs Level 2 care would be expected to require substantial support with some of the activities of daily living, monitoring to manage behavioral difficulties, and assistance with taking medications. Level 3 residents would be expected to need a higher level of care including intensive supervision. Providers must agree to accept the lesser of their usual and customary charge or the Medicaid rate. Providers must also accept a 25% reduction in payment if resident attends a medical adult day care. Participants retain $76 for personal needs and all other income must be paid to the provider. The provider must be licensed and enrolled as a Medicaid provider to participate.

Personal Assistance Services

Include a range of assistance provided by another person that enables the recipient to accomplish tasks they are unable to perform independently. Such assistance is usually related to activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.

Nurse Monitoring Services

Provided by a nurse from the local Health Department to oversee personal assistance services.

Supports Planning Services

Assistance with the coordination of community services and supports from various organizations to aid participants in developing a comprehensive plan for community living.

Environmental Assessment

On-site assessment of an assisted living facility, home or other residence where the participant lives by a qualified occupational therapist to determine what environmental modifications or assistive devices may be necessary to ensure the safety of the participant.

Environmental Accessibility Adaptations

Physical adaptations to a participant’s home or residence which are necessary to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the individual or enable the individual to function with greater independence, without the individual requiring admission to or continued stay in a nursing facility.

Assistive Technology

Include equipment or appliances necessary to facilitate a participant’s independence, such as extenders to assist with reaching and special eating instruments.

Behavior Consultation Services

Include home visits by a qualified professional to evaluate and recommend treatment for a participant with disruptive or potentially dangerous behavior that places the participant at risk of institutionalization.

Respite Care Services

Services provided to individuals unable to care for themselves, furnished on a short-term basis because of the absence or need for relief of persons normally providing the care.

Personal Emergency Response System

A device enabling a participant to secure help in an emergency situation.

Home Delivered Meals

Weekday delivery of one or two meals to a participant’s home.

Dietitian & Nutritionist Services

Includes home visits by a licensed dietitian or nutritionist to assess and assist participants and their caregivers with menu planning for participants with special dietary needs.

Family & Consumer Training

Includes home visits by a professional to train family members in their caregiving roles, or to train a participant in self-directing his or her own care.

Medical Adult Daycare

A program of structured group recreational activities, medically supervised care, assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and enhanced socialization provided in an out-of-home, outpatient setting. One nutritional meal is also included.

Senior Center Plus Services

A program of structured group recreational activities, supervised care, assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and enhanced socialization provided in an out-of-home, outpatient setting. One nutritional meal is also included

Provider Enrollment
Anyone interested in becoming a Medicaid provider for the above services should contact the Maryland Department of Health, 410-767-6500, for an application. All providers must have a current Medicaid provider number to bill for services provided to any client enrolled in these Medicaid programs.

Carroll County Division of Aging & Disabilities 

125 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157

410-386-3800; Maryland Relay Service 711/800-735-2258

Fax 410-840-0436