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GA Independent Care Waiver Services Program

The Independent Care Program, one of the HCBS waivers, started in May 1992. It offers services that help a limited number of adult Medicaid recipients with physical disabilities live in their own homes or in the community instead of a hospital or nursing facility.

Services available are case management, personal support services, specialized medical equipment and supplies, occupational therapy, respite care services, counseling, home modification, and personal emergency response services. Services are available statewide.

Who is eligible?

Independent Care is for eligible Medicaid recipients who are severely physically disabled, are between the ages of 21 and 64, and meet one of the criteria below:

·      Are medically stable enough to leave the hospital, but cannot do so without the support services available through this program;

·      Will be admitted to a hospital on a long-term basis without the support services available through this program;

·      Wish to return to Georgia from out-of-state nursing facilities; or

·      Are at immediate risk of nursing facility placement.

The program is primarily for people who are unnecessarily hospitalized or are at risk of being unnecessarily hospitalized.

Can people residing in nursing facilities qualify for Independent Care?

In certain circumstances, yes. If it is determined medically appropriate and there are other supports available to enable the person to live in the community, then the ICW program may be used.

How does the program work?

The applicant, the case manager and the applicant's family and/or friends (the planning team) work together to establish a plan of care. This plan describes the applicant's present circumstances, strengths, needs, the services required, a listing of the providers selected and projected budget. The planning team works with the applicant to tap existing resources and programs. Medicaid dollars can be used only after other alternative fund sources have been tried. The plan is then submitted to Medicaid for approval. The plan may not be approved if the applicant:

·      Is ineligible for Medicaid;

·      Does not meet the level of care requirements for a hospital or nursing facility; or

·      If there are no funds to serve the applicant.

Each plan of care is unique, reflecting the needs of an individual participant and services selected by the applicant and his/her planning team.

Each participant receives case management to coordinate resources and help the applicant develop ways to meet his/her needs.

Independent Care funds cannot be used for room and board. Therefore, the planning team must seek local assistance for rent, food and utilities.

NOTE: Information about Medicaid and Home and Community Based Services was drawn from the Georgia Department of Community Health website available at: http://www.communityhealth.state.ga.us/

Back to:

Home and Community Based Services Waiver Programs and Demonstration Projects

Medicaid Overview

Medicaid Financial Eligibility

Georgia Benefit Information System (GABIS) Overview

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