Community Integration Counseling under NHTD can help eligible New Yorkers adjust to life at home and in the community after a major health change, disability, or nursing home stay. For many families, the challenge is not only getting care—it is helping a loved one feel confident, safe, and connected again. This 2026 guide explains what Community Integration Counseling is, how it works, who may benefit, and how it fits into New York’s Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waiver program.
What Is Community Integration Counseling Under NHTD?
Community Integration Counseling, often called CIC, is a short-term counseling service available through New York’s NHTD waiver when it is included in a participant’s service plan.
The service helps waiver participants manage the emotional challenges that may come with:
- Adjusting to a significant disability
- Returning home from a nursing facility
- Living with changed abilities or daily routines
- Coping with new roles in family or community life
- Rebuilding confidence after a major health event
CIC is participant-centered. That means the person receiving services helps guide the goals, choices, and direction of support.
How Community Integration Counseling Works
CIC focuses on practical emotional support tied directly to community living. It is not meant to replace every type of mental health care, and it is not used to physically integrate someone into the home or community. Other NHTD services may help with those needs.
Where Sessions May Take Place
Community Integration Counseling is usually provided:
- In the participant’s home
- In the provider’s office
The setting depends on the participant’s needs, goals, and approved service plan.
Who Can Join a Session?
CIC may include family members or other significant people in the participant’s life when the discussion directly relates to the participant.
However, the participant must be present face-to-face for all CIC sessions. This helps keep the service focused on the participant’s goals, voice, and preferences.
Service Limits in 2026
In general, Community Integration Counseling may not exceed:
- 220 hours annually
- 4 hours weekly
- A 2-year duration
If the participant’s needs cannot be met within these limits, additional services may be requested. Medical justification must be provided, and the request must be reviewed for approval.
How CIC Fits Within the NHTD Waiver
The NHTD waiver helps Medicaid-eligible seniors and adults with physical disabilities live in community-based settings instead of nursing homes or other institutions.
The program supports people who meet key eligibility requirements, including:
- New York State residency
- Community-based Medicaid eligibility
- Nursing home level of care needed
- Age 18–64 with a verified physical disability, or age 65 or older
- Ability to live safely in the community with available supports
CIC is one possible service within a larger care plan. Other NHTD waiver services may include service coordination, assistive technology, home and community support services, independent living skills training, transportation, respite, and home modifications when approved.
2026 NHTD Waiver Update: Families Should Know
New York increased the approved NHTD waiver maximum to 9,400 participants for waiver years 2025–26, 2026–27, and 2027–28.
However, the program has reached its approved maximum. Because of this, additional referrals cannot currently be processed until availability opens. Referrals received while the program is full may be closed and may not move forward to intake.
Families can still explore community-based long-term care options through:
- New York Connects or call (800) 614-8800
- ICAN or call (844) 614-8800
- Local Independent Living Centers
- Open Doors transition support programs
Who May Benefit From Community Integration Counseling?
CIC may help people who need emotional support while adjusting to life in the community.
This may include:
- Seniors who want to remain at home safely
- Adults with physical disabilities
- People transitioning from nursing homes
- Individuals coping with changed abilities
- Families supporting a loved one’s independence
- Participants who feel isolated, anxious, frustrated, or unsure about community living
The goal is to support confidence, dignity, and participation in daily life.
Contact HouseCalls Home Care
HouseCalls Home Care can help families explore care options and understand what support may be available at home.
Call 718-922-9200, email info@HouseCallshc.org, or register through our online form, and our team will get back to you.
Community Integration Counseling under NHTD offers short-term, participant-centered support for people adjusting to disability, changed abilities, or community living. In 2026, families should know that New York’s NHTD waiver maximum has increased to 9,400 participants, but the program is currently at its approved limit. While waiting for availability, families can contact New York Connects, ICAN, or HouseCalls Home Care to explore support options.
