The NHTD Program: A Possible Alternative to Managed Long Term Care

What is the NHTD Program?

The Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver Program is a home and community-based Medicaid program designed to support individuals with disabilities and seniors, promoting inclusion in homes and communities rather than institutional care. This program provides supportive services to those who require a nursing home level of care but prefer to remain in or return to a community setting. When informal supports, locally funded services, and Medicaid State Plan services do not meet a client’s needs, the Transition and Diversion NHTD Waiver Program may be a good alternative to a nursing facility.

How Do I Know If I’m Eligible?

If you’re looking to participate in the NHTD Waiver Program, you must meet all the following criteria to be approved:

• Be a recipient of or apply for Medicaid coverage that supports community-based long-term care services. 
• Be between 18 and 64 years of age with a physical disability, or be 65 or older. 
• Require nursing home level care determined by the Patient Review Instrument and Screen. 
• Sign the Freedom of Choice form indicating that you choose to participate in the Diversion NHTD Waiver Program. 
• Be able to identify the living arrangements in which you’ll be living when participating in the waiver services program. 
• Complete and submit an application packet that includes with the proposed services in cooperation with the Service Coordinator. 
• Have a completed Plan for Protective Oversight and someone to direct your Service Plan legally. 
• Services agreed upon in the Initial Service Plan must meet regional and statewide cost neutrality requirements. 
• Be able to live in a community where your health and welfare can be maintained. 

What Services Are Available?

If you’ve been approved for the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waiver, a plethora of waiver services will be available for you. Some of these services include: 

• Service Coordination
• Home and Community Support Services
• Respite Services
• Independent Living Skills Training and Development Services
• Structured Day Program Services
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Services
• Community Integration Counseling Service
• Environmental Modifications Service
• E-mods for Vehicles
• Assistive Technology
• Community Transitional Services
• Moving Assistance
• Congregate, and Home Delivered Meals
• Home Visits by Medical Personnel
• Nutritional Counseling/ Educational Services
• Peer Mentoring
• Respiratory Therapy  
• Wellness Counseling Service
• Waiver Transportation

If you or a loved one recognize some of these waiver services as being helpful and don’t know whether or not you’re eligible or require additional information, contact Lori Somekh at NY Elder Law Group for more information.

Medicaid is tricky, and few things are as stressful as the process of getting yourself or your loved one the healthcare needed. With the ever-changing Medicaid landscape, it can be even more challenging, which is why turning to an experienced Elder Law attorney like NY Elder Law Group can make a world of difference for you and your family.