Vermont Medidcaid Waiver approved
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced a new Medicaid program that will give elderly and disabled Vermont residents more options to remain in their homes and communities and out of institutions.
The Vermont Long Term Care Plan, administered under a Section 1115 waiver of current Medicaid rules, will establish a unique triage system to evaluate the appropriate type of care for enrollees who may be at risk of institutionalization.
The assessment would determine what kind of services the Medicaid program would provide. Those determined to be in the “highest tier” of need would be offered a traditional nursing facility or whatever expanded services were needed to keep them in their own homes. Those in the second tier who need fewer or less intensive services, could still receive nursing home or home- based care, but would be served in the order of greatest need. The second tier beneficiaries would continue to receive acute care and other supportive services. The program will expand community-based services to 950 older and disabled individuals who are at risk of institutionalization but would not yet qualify for services without this demonstration.