Increasing numbers of frail elderly are trying to arrange for care in their houses or apartments because admission to nursing facilities is so problematic at this time. About one third of the state’s skilled nursing facilities are considered to be incapable of appropriately isolating COVID-19 patients, and have been barred from any new admissions. Of course, arranging for home care is increasing difficult due to a serious shortage of trained personnel who are capable and willing — understandably — to go into a home setting, due to the risk of infection. Geriatric care managers (Aging and Life Care Specialists) can be very useful in establishing a home care arrangement, even in these trying times.
The Medicaid/MLTSS program can provide home and community -based services to financially-eligible individuals who are over 65 or are disabled and who require hands-on care and supervision with 3 or more of their activities of daily living. It is necessary to contact the Office of Community Choice Options (OCCO) to order the Pre-Admission Screening (PAS). Here’s the latest list of offices and contact numbers. MLTSS and OCCO Contact List 3.20.20
Previously, this evaluation took place at the residence of the applicant. Now it is being done by telephone. It’s very important to order the PAS because an applicant must be clinically in need of these long-term care services in order to be approved for Medicaid/MLTSS services. To do so, first the family/caregiver calls the ADRC (Aging Disability Resource Connection) in their county. The ADRCs are sort of the portal-of-entry to gain access to many different government programs. The ADRC will complete the first telephone screening. https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/home/saaaa.html The ADRC will then send their screening to OCCO. The OCCO nurse will contact the family to review the initial screening and gather additional information.
Office of Community Choice Options:
While awaiting the PAS evaluation, it’s necessary to address the financial eligibility requirements, which are stringent and complex. Legal sandtraps are everywhere in the process. The application is then filed at the local County Board of Social Services once all of those benchmarks have been reached.
Call for advice and assistance with medicaid eligibility, applications and appeals … 732-382-6070