The Elderly and Disabled Waiver (EDW) is a Medicaid program that provides in-home and community-based services for seniors and people with disabilities who need help to live independently. The EDW is an alternative to institutional care, such as nursing homes or intermediate care facilities, allowing eligible individuals to receive care in their homes or the community. The EDW is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) through the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).
The EDW serves frail, elderly, and disabled Georgians who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility. The EDW aims to improve its participants' quality of life and health outcomes by providing coordinated services in their homes or communities.
The EDW covers a range of services and supports, such as:
The EDW is funded by both federal and state Medicaid dollars. The federal government pays for 67% of the program costs, while the state pays for 33%. The total budget for the EDW in fiscal year 2023 is $1.2 billion, which serves about 20,000 participants.
To qualify for the EDW, you must meet the following criteria:
In addition, you must meet certain income and asset limits to be eligible for Medicaid. For 2023, the income limit for an individual is $2,382 per month, and the asset limit is $2,000. A married couple's income limit is $4,764 monthly, and the asset limit is $3,000. Some assets, such as your home, car, personal belongings, or burial funds, are excluded from the count.
To apply for the EDW, you need to contact your local AAA by calling the toll-free number at 866-552-4464. An AAA staff member will screen you over the phone and schedule an in-person assessment to determine your level of need and eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list until a slot becomes available. The waiting time varies depending on your location and priority level.
The EDW offers various services and supports to help you live independently in your home or community. The services are tailored to your individual needs and preferences based on a person-centered care plan developed by you, your case manager, and your service providers. You can choose from the following services:
One of the benefits of the EDW is that it allows you to have more control over your personal care services through the participant-direction option. This option lets you choose who provides your care, how and when, and how much they get paid. You can hire anyone you trust to be your caregiver, including family members, friends, neighbors, or professionals. You can also set the pay rate for your caregivers within the limits set by the DCH.
The participant-direction option is available for individuals who live in their private residence or a family member's home. It is not available for individuals who live in alternative living services or structured family caregiving. To participate in this option, you must enroll in financial management services to help you manage your budget and pay your caregivers. You also need to follow specific rules and responsibilities, such as keeping records of your services and reporting any changes in your situation.
The participant-direction option is a great way to compensate family caregivers who provide valuable care and support for their loved ones. Family caregivers are often underpaid and overworked and deserve recognition and recognition for their contributions. By paying family caregivers through the EDW, you can ensure they receive fair compensation and reduce their financial stress.
If you are interested in applying for the EDW or finding out if you may be eligible for compensation as a family caregiver, please fill out this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are here to help you get the care and support you need.
