Understanding the Minnesota Elderly Waiver (EW)
Minnesota's Elderly Waiver (EW) is a crucial Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program that provides financial assistance for long-term care for eligible seniors. It funds services allowing older adults to remain in their homes or other community settings instead of moving to a nursing home. This guide details the eligibility criteria, including age, functional need, and financial requirements.
Core Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Elderly Waiver program, applicants must meet criteria in three main areas: age, functional need, and financial eligibility. All must be met to qualify.
Age Requirement
- Age 65 or older: Applicants must be at least 65 years old.
Functional Need Requirement
- Nursing Home Level of Care: An assessment must show the applicant needs the level of care typically provided in a nursing facility.
- MnCHOICES Assessment: This is determined by a MnCHOICES assessment, completed by a certified assessor from your local county, tribal nation, or a managed care organization. It evaluates abilities and needs for daily living, health, and well-being.
Financial Eligibility Requirement
- Medical Assistance (MA): You must qualify for Minnesota's Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). MA financial requirements depend on income and assets.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The cost of community-based services through the EW must be less than the estimated cost of nursing home care.
Detailed Financial Criteria: Income and Assets
Meeting Medical Assistance financial criteria can be complex. Minnesota sets specific income and asset limits that change annually.
Income Limits
In 2024, the monthly income limit for a single applicant is $2,829 (300% of the Federal Benefit Rate). Those with higher income might qualify through a "spend-down". For married couples where only one spouse applies, rules protect the non-applicant's finances. A spousal income allowance might allow transferring income, potentially up to $3,853.50 per month in 2024, if the non-applicant has limited income.
Asset Limits
The asset limit for a single applicant is typically $3,000, and for a married couple both applying, it's $6,000. Excluded assets include your primary home (if equity is below $713,000 in 2024), one primary vehicle, and irrevocable funeral trusts. When only one spouse applies, the non-applicant spouse can keep a larger share of assets, up to a maximum Community Spouse Resource Allowance of $154,140 in 2024, plus the applicant's allowed assets. Improperly transferring assets can result in an ineligibility period.
Services Provided by the Elderly Waiver
The Elderly Waiver funds various services to meet individual needs, determined by the MnCHOICES assessment. These services support individuals in the community. For a detailed list of services, please visit the {Link: Minnesota DHS website https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/seniors/services/home-community/programs-and-services/elderly-waiver.jsp}.
Elderly Waiver vs. Alternative Care
The Elderly Waiver (EW) and Alternative Care (AC) programs both assist seniors needing nursing home-level care who wish to remain in the community. The key difference is that AC is for those not yet financially eligible for Medical Assistance. The {Link: Minnesota DHS website https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/id_056766/} provides a table comparing features like funding source, MA requirement, age, level of care, cost limits, and service scope for both programs.
How to Apply for the Elderly Waiver
Applying begins with a needs assessment. You can initiate this by contacting your local county or tribal nation, calling the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433, or using the MinnesotaHelp Website. If you are already receiving Medical Assistance, contact your managed care organization. Following the needs assessment, a financial worker will review your application to determine eligibility for Medical Assistance for long-term care. Additional information is available on the {Link: Minnesota Department of Human Services website https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/seniors/services/home-community/programs-and-services/elderly-waiver.jsp}.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Elderly Waiver is a vital resource for seniors needing long-term care in a community setting. Meeting the age, functional, and financial criteria provides access to services promoting independence. The process starts with a MnCHOICES assessment and financial eligibility review. The Alternative Care program is available for those not yet financially eligible for EW. Exploring these options is recommended.
