In Georgia and throughout the U.S., Medicaid ensures that low-income families and individuals, including seniors, pregnant women and disabled people, have access to quality health care. Services provided by Medicaid include doctor visits, medical treatment, diagnostic testing, dental care and prescription medications. In Georgia, the only form of long-term care covered by the standard state plan is nursing home care.
For seniors who require help with the cost of assisted living, the state’s Community Care Services Program (CCSP) Waiver may provide the funding they need. The waiver exists to provide assisted living and nursing services to elderly people who want to avoid moving to a nursing home. Services may be provided at home or within an assisted living facility. Other services covered under the waiver include respite care, personal care, medical equipment and transportation.
To qualify for the state Medicaid plan and the CSSP waiver as an elderly person, applicants must be 65 or older and not have an income higher than $2,313 (individual) or $4,262 (couple) per month. Asset limitations stipulate that applicants may not possess more than $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple) in countable assets. All applicants are also required to undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their level of need.
The state Medicaid plan is an entitlement program, which means that all eligible applicants are approved to participate. The CCSP waiver, on the other hand, is capped at 19,000 participants. That often means that eligible seniors will be placed on a waiting list before being provided with services.
To apply or to learn more about the CCSP waiver waiting list times, seniors can call (866) 552-4464.