Frail elderly (over 65) and disabled individuals in New Jersey who reside in the community and require substantial assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) have opportunities to obtain home health care and an array of other benefits through the Medicaid Program. Gross monthly income presently cannot exceed $2,130, and there are resource limits as well for eligibility ($2,000 for the applicant and a modest allowance for the community spouse). A person receiving SSI would be financially eligible, as could low-income, low-asset SSD recipients. Currently referred to as “GO” (Global Options), the programs are being consolidated under the umbrella of a revamped “Comprehensive Waiver” Medicaid program approved last October 1, 2012. The services available are called “long-term services and supports” (LTSS).
Medicaid applications are filed in the county where the applicant resides. The portal of entry is through the county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center/ADRC. Attached is the screening tool that is used for these intakes, to give you an idea of the clinical issues they consider. After screening, the intake worker should generally make a referral to the Office of Community Choice Options (OCCO) for a full clinical/medical/nursing evaluation as well as a referral to the County Board of Social Services which would process the actual application. The applicant or their authorized representative or a family member still needs to have a face-to-face meeting at the County Board to complete the application.