Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for home and community based services through a waiver program

People who are assessed to need certain levels of care may get services through a home and community-based services waiver program if:

• You qualify for MA
• You have had a Long-Term Care Consultation that shows you have a need for the services

Contact your county or tribal office to find out how to get approved.

The income limit depends on which home and community-based services waiver program you qualify for. Only your income is counted even if you live with a spouse or a parent(s).

Yes, your home and a car usually do not count toward the asset limit for MA. Children do not have an asset limit.

Yes, but adults have an asset limit for MA. Children do not have an asset limit.

There are three other rules that anyone who needs MA to help pay for home and community-based services through a waiver program has to meet.

• You cannot be subject to a transfer penalty because you or your spouse gave away an asset or income without getting adequate compensation. You cannot give away assets or income without getting paid the amount the asset is worth within 60 months of your request to have MA help with your home and community-based services through a waiver program. There are some exceptions to this rule.
• Your equity in your home has to be under the home equity limit. The home equity limit increases annually. Ask your worker what the limit is.
• Some annuities that you or your spouse own have to name the Department of Human Services as the preferred remainder beneficiary.

You may have to pay a portion of your income toward your services. The amount, if any, depends on your income.

Parental fees may apply for some children who live with their parents and receive services through a waiver program.

No, your spouse will not have to use their income for your home and community-based services.

Adults may also have copays for some services. Children do not have copays.

After you are approved, coverage may start:

• The date you start receiving home and community-based services or are eligible for MA payment of your home and community-based services, whichever is later.
• The day after your transfer penalty ends, if you have one, as long as you still meet all of the eligibility rules.

You may still get coverage. You must tell us if you:

• Have Medicare or other health insurance, including long-term care insurance
• Could be covered under someone else's insurance
• Could get coverage through an employer or military service

Sometimes we can help pay the cost of your Medicare or other insurance so you can keep that coverage.

There are other programs that help people so they can live in their home. To get more information about these kinds of services, call your county or tribal office.

• County and tribal offices
• Minnesota Health Care Programs Member Help Desk