PA DEPARTMENT OF AGING (PDA) WAIVER PROGRAM:
Help in your home for people who are nursing home eligible and live in Mifflin & Juniata County
What is the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver Program?
Under the Waiver Program, home and community based long term care services can be provided to you as an alternative to nursing home care. It is called a "Waiver" program because services are funded through a special waiver of certain Medicaid restrictions, allowing payments typically used for nursing home care to be used for care in the home. The Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging is responsible for administering the program within Mifflin and Juniata Counties.
How can the PDA Waiver Program help me?
After a thorough assessment to determine your eligibility, an assigned care manager will design a care plan with you. If you are eligible, the following services may be available, at no cost, to help you live more comfortably at home:
* Personal Care
* Homemaker-type Services
* Home Delivered Meals
* Physical Therapy
* Speech Therapy
* Occupational Therapy
* Caregiver Respite Services
* Adult Day Care
* Medical Supplies & Equipment
* Emergency Response System
* Environmental Modifications
* Companion Service
* Registered Nurse
Who would actually provide these services to me?
If you enroll in the Waiver Program, you will have a care manager. After you and your care manager agree on a plan to meet your needs, the care manager will authorize services. You will then be able to choose which local organization or company/agency that you want to provide the service. You may select from a list of participating providers.
How do I know if I'm eligible? Only residents of Mifflin and Juniata Counties who are assessed to need nursing home care, may be eligible. To be eligible for the Waiver Program, you must meet all the criteria: Are aged 60 or older; reside in Mifflin or Juniata County $2000.00 in assets (EXCLUDING property of residence and I vehicle)
require the level of care of a nursing home choose community-based services rather than a nursing home.
Are there limits to the extent of services that I can receive at home?
While there aren't specific limits to the number of services that you may receive, there are limits to the amount of money that can be spent. The cost of your care plan
generally cannot exceed a budget based on a percentage of the cost of Pennsylvania's average Medicaid nursing home daily charge. This means that if your care manager
or the Department of Aging/Office of Long Term Living determines that your needs can not be met within
a reasonable amount, you may have to draw on other resources to purchase necessary services. If you are unable to do so, you may no longer be eligible for the Waiver Program, and a care manager will assist you in locating a nursing home, if you wish this type of assistance.
Is there a cost for the Waiver Program services?
There is no fee to the consumer for the services received through the Waiver Program. However, new federal and state laws require recovery of Medical Assistance payments from the probate estate.
How can I receive more information about the PDA Waiver Program?
Interested consumers or family members should call:
Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging Inc. at:
(717)242-0315
or
1-800-348-2277
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