Federally approved Elderly Waiver Plan, Minn. Stat. Chapter 256S

Elderly Waiver (EW): Program that funds home and community-based services for people age 65 and older who require the level of care provided in a nursing home and choose to live in the community.

EW promotes community living and independence with services and supports that address each person's individual needs and choices. EW offers services that go beyond what is available through Medical Assistance.

To be eligible for EW, a person must choose and receive at least one home and community service in addition to case management through EW and:

The following services are covered under EW. For a service-specific policy page, select a service from the list:

EW does not cover services that are available through another funding source (e.g., Medicare, MA state plan services, long-term care insurance).

Note: Older Americans Act (OAA) funding is not considered “another funding source” for this purpose because people on EW are not legally entitled to receive OAA-funded services. DHS does not require that OAA programs fund benefits that are available to a person through EW. The lead agency should authorize the service or amount of service the person needs within the limits of EW. If a person age 60 or older needs additional services beyond what can be authorized under EW, OAA programs may be an option for the person. For more information, see ACL – OAA payer of last resort.

A person who is on EW may receive waiver services and MA services funded through a managed care organization (MCO). This can be through Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+) or Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO).

Additional resources

CBSM – Alternative Care
CBSM – EW conversion rates
CBSM – Feedback about services for EW through MCOs
CBSM – Rate methodologies for AC, ECS and EW service authorization
CBSM – Waiver/AC service provider overview
MHCP Provider Manual – Elderly Waiver and Alternative Care programs