If you or your loved one doesn’t want to reside in an institutional setting, then you can consider applying to the NHTD waiver program to receive nursing home-level care in your home, making you independent and free with the necessary support you need. Learn about eligibility criteria, requirements, and services of the NHTD program in New York State in this article. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your golden years.
FAQs on NHTD Program Eligibility Requirements in New York State
These FAQs on the NHTD Program will help you understand everything about eligibility requirements in New York State.
- What is the New York state initiative for the NHTD program?
Ans. The Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver Program is a New York State initiative to help eligible individuals live independently in their communities while receiving necessary care. It is a crucial program for people with physical disabilities and seniors who want to prevent institutionalization and get similar care and support in their own home. People who are eligible for this program can get a wide range of home and community-based services (HCBS), which are paid under Medicaid, promoting autonomy and a better quality of life.
- What are the eligibility criteria for the NHTD program?
Ans. To be eligible for the NHTD program, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Eligible for community-based Medicaid
- Assessed for needing nursing home level of care
- Either between the ages of 18-64 and have a verified physical disability, or age 65 or older when applying to the program.
The individual must be able to live safely in the community with the services and support offered by Medicaid, the waiver program, and other community resources.
In case you are living in or planning to reside in a facility under the Assisted Living Program (ALP) or other licensed or certified congregate care setting, then you’re not eligible for this program. Additionally, Medicaid regulations do not allow for the duplication of services. So, an individual enrolled in a Health and Recovery Plan (HARP), Health Homes, Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) Program, a Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), etc., is not eligible for the NHTD Waiver unless they request to be disenrolled from the applicable program.
- What are the requirements for Medicaid Coverage?
Ans. To be eligible for Medicaid coverage that offers community-based long-term care services, you need to come under the following criteria, based on the type of coverage:
Individuals must sign a Freedom of Choice form, identify their living arrangements, and submit an Application Packet that includes the Initial Service Plan. This plan should meet regional and statewide cost neutrality requirements.
| Coverage Type | Description |
| All services except nursing facility service | Comprehensive coverage for different services needed in the community. |
| Community coverage with community-based long-term care | This coverage is specific to people who need long-term care in a community setting. |
| Outpatient coverage with community-based long-term care | Coverage for outpatient services focusing on community-based care services. |
When you can receive Medicaid coverage, you can qualify for one criterion for the NHTD program.
- What are the requirements to qualify for the Age and Disability Criteria?
Ans. To be eligible for the NHTD Waiver Program, you need to qualify for the Age and Disability Criteria. These are:
- Age Criteria: Applicants must be between 18 and 64 years old with a physical disability or 65 years or older at the time of application.
- Disability Documentation: Individuals under 65 must provide documentation confirming their physical disability, such as a letter from the Local Department of Social Services or a physician’s certification.
Additionally, applicants need to undergo an assessment using the Hospital and Community Patient Review Instrument (H/C-PRI) and SCREEN, performed by medical professionals or designated evaluators appointed by the state’s Medicaid agency to assess whether you need a nursing home level of care or not. This assessment must be conducted within 90 days (about 3 months) of the application.
- What forms and documentation are needed to apply for the NHTD program?
Ans. To apply for the NHTD Waiver program, individuals must have these necessary documents and forms:
- Freedom of Choice Form: This document shows that it is the applicant’s decision to participate in this program instead of residing in a nursing facility. Signing this form is the foundational step to apply to this program.
- Application Packet: This comprehensive packet involves the Initial Service Plan (ISP) and the Plan for Protective Oversight (PPO). The services outlined in the ISP must be attached to the regional and statewide cost neutrality.
- What are the steps for the application process for the NHTD program?
Ans. When you are eligible to apply for the NHTD program, you need to follow these steps:
- Get a referral from the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC)
- Intake Meeting with Applicant and RRDC
- Selection of Service Coordination Provider and Assignment of Service Coordinator
- Completion and Submission of Application
- Application Review and RRDC Decision
- Notice of Decision
- Participation and Service Renewal
This whole process can vary for each participant. But if the applicant has a residence, sufficient informal support, and Service Coordination, then ideally it may take around 2 to 4 months. If an applicant is a resident of a nursing home or healthcare facility, then the timing between choosing the Service Coordination provider and leaving the nursing home or facility may take longer.
- What services do you get as an NHTD waiver participant?
Ans. There is a wide range of services that are accessible when you become an NHTD waiver participant, including:
- Assistive Technology (AT)
- Community Integration Counseling (CIC)
- Community Transitional Services (CTS)
- Congregate and Home Delivered Meals
- Environmental Modifications (E-Mods)
- Home and Community Support Services (HCSS)
- Home Visits by Medical Personnel
- Independent Living Skills and Training Services (ILST)
- Moving Assistance
- Nutritional Counseling/Educational Services
- Peer Mentoring
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Respiratory Therapy
- Respite Services
- Service Coordination (SC)
- Social Transportation
- Structured Day Program Services (SDP)
- Wellness Counseling
All of these NHTD waiver services are mentioned on the NHTD Medicaid Waiver Initiative document.
The NHTD program is a good choice for individuals with disabilities and seniors to live their lives on their own terms while receiving necessary care and support. Make sure you are eligible for the NHTD program and follow the above-mentioned steps to process your application to take advantage of the NHTD waiver program.
If you need any help with your application or have a query related to the NHTD program, contact us online or call us to get a consultation. Speak with our home care services coordinator to get a reliable care provider for your loved one, to ensure they get the best quality of care and companionship to live a peaceful, happy life. If you want to know more about adult day care services, HouseCalls Home Care offers excellent services for your aging loved ones. Feel free to call HouseCalls Home Care at 718-922-9200 if you or a loved one requires compassionate and competent in-home care services. You can also send an email to us at info@HouseCallshc.org for more information. Our goal is to help you find the best support for your needs.
