Boise Senior AdvisorWhat is Idaho's Aged and Disabled waiver?
It is the Idaho Medicaid home and community based services program for adults 65 and older, and adults with physical disabilities, who would otherwise qualify for nursing facility care, letting them get that care at home, in a certified family home or in a participating assisted living facility.
IDHW describes HCBS as a way for Medicaid members to receive services in their own home or community rather than an institution, with services approved on individual need. The waiver does not cover room and board in a facility.
What services can the A&D waiver pay for in Boise?
Services approved on individual need may include case management, homemaker services, home health aide, personal care, adult day health and respite care, with other services possible when they help someone avoid or leave an institution.
- Personal care: bathing, dressing, toileting and other daily help.
- Homemaker: housekeeping and errands that keep a home safe.
- Respite: short breaks for an unpaid family caregiver.
- Adult day health: supervised daytime programs.
- Assisted living or certified family home services, for members living there.
Who qualifies for the A&D waiver in Idaho?
Applicants must be financially eligible for Idaho Medicaid and must demonstrate the need for a level of care that would meet the state's requirements for institutional care, which an assessment determines.
Income limits for HCBS appear on IDHW's income guidelines page and change each year with federal benefit amounts, so confirm the current figure with IDHW rather than relying on an older article. The resource limit for a single person is generally $2,000.
How do Treasure Valley families start an A&D waiver application?
Apply for Medicaid through IDHW (idalink.idaho.gov or (877) 456-1233) and ask for a long-term care assessment; the Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging ((208) 898-7060) can explain options and help with the paperwork.
While you wait, ask any RALF you are considering whether it takes Medicaid and whether it will hold a room during the application. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Does the A&D waiver have a waiting list in Idaho?
Ask IDHW when you apply; eligibility is decided on financial rules and an assessment of need, and the time it takes depends on how quickly documents and the assessment are completed.
Side by side
| The A&D waiver | The A&D waiver does not | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Care services at home, in CFHs and in participating RALFs | Rent, meals or room and board |
| Requires | Medicaid eligibility and nursing-facility level of care | A prior hospital stay |
| Offered by | Idaho Medicaid (IDHW) | Medicare |
Drawn from IDAPA 16.03.22, Idaho Code 39-33, IDHW and Idaho Commission on Aging publications, CareScout, CMS and the VA; our editorial standards explain how we check them.
