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Accessing the services and support you need to remain as independent as possible as you age is essential for living the life you want in your later years.
For many people over the age of 65, aging programs such as the Alternative Care Program and Elderly Waiver help them live in the community, remain in their preferred home, find housing that meets their care needs, and achieve their goals.
The questions and information below will help you decide what next steps to take if you’re interested in aging services to help you live your best life.
Questions you should ask yourself when considering if a waiver is right for you:
- Do you have any needs that are not being met?
- Is your living situation meeting your physical needs and are you safe?
- Do you have people in your life that help you?
- Do you want more help than you are currently receiving?
Qualifying for a waiver-is it right for you? To be eligible for a waiver, you must:
- Be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) or income and assets evaluated for scale fee services.
- Complete a MnCHOICES Assessment through your county agency or tribe.
Next: Answer the question below to learn more about eligibility, things to think about, and the people, agencies, and resources that can help you along the way.
Do you have Medical Assistance?
Medical Assistance is health insurance for people with and without disabilities who meet the income and assets rules. It is a health insurance program that pays for things like hospital care and doctor visits. It can also pay for things that don’t tend to be covered by private insurance, like personal care attendant (PCA)/ community first support services (CFSS).
Yes
If you have Medical Assistance, please continue to: “Do you have a disability determination?”
No
If you don’t have Medical Assistance, also known as MA, and do not qualify, you may be eligible for the Alternative Care Program that is based off of an evaluation of your income and assets.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I want to apply for Medical Assistance?
- You need to apply and be found eligible for Medical Assistance in order to receive Elderly Waiver Services.
- Do you have assets above $3,000?
- You need to complete an Alternative Care Program Eligibility Form with County Intake. Call 320-216-4114 or complete the referral form here: Medical Assistance Application.
Information to gather to apply for MA or Complete the Alternative Care Program Eligibility Form
You will need the following information for you, your spouse, and/or household members:
- Monthly income sources (pay stubs, direct deposit proof, taxes, etc.), with verification of employer information, including name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Assets (home mortgage, vehicles you own, bank accounts, retirement accounts, etc.) with verification
- Social Security Number
- Contact Information
- Insurance Information
- Immigration Status Information
I’m not sure
If you’re not sure if you have Medical Assistance, call 320-216-4100.
Continue to learn more about resources that could be available to you.
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Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) is a non-profit organization designated by the Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) as the area agency on aging for the 14-county Central Minnesota region. In partnership with public and private organizations, CMCOA helps older adults age successfully by building community capacity, advocating for aging issues, maximizing service effectiveness, and linking people with information.
Suite 300, Sartell, MN 56377; 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
Helping older adults and their caregivers age well at home through home-based services, caregiver support, and sunshine calls.
North Branch, MN 55006
Virtual Respite Meetings for Caregivers and Care Receiver. Tuesdays or Thursdays (depending on your county).
The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) is the federally designated Protection and Advocacy* agency for people with disabilities in Minnesota. We are lawyers and advocates providing free legal help to people with disabilities on disability rights issues. We help people with any type of disability, of any age, at all income levels, across Minnesota. We provide information to help people with disabilities understand their rights, advise them on how to advocate for themselves, and provide resources and referrals. We share information, advice and/or representation on disability rights issues. We also have federal access authority to monitor and investigate facilities that serve people with disabilities.
Project lifesaver is a rescue program for Pine County's most vulnerable individuals; for both children and adults with medical conditions that put them at risk to wander and become lost. Participants wear a bracelet around their wrist or ankle which enables their location to be tracked with special equipment.
Pine City, MN 55063
If you suspect a person who is vulnerable is being neglected, mistreated, or exploited, call the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC). Taking action can be uncomfortable, but it’s important for people who are vulnerable, as you may be someone’s only chance for getting help. Knowing your resources and options can make things much easier.
The Senior LinkAge Line is a service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Central Minnesota Council on Aging and Minnesota’s other area agencies on aging. Whether you are looking for housing resources, health insurance, home services, or caregiver supports the specialists on this free, statewide service are there to help. They will find the particular service you need or help evaluate the situation to determine what kind of service might be helpful. Directing you to a provider, they can conduct three-way calls and offer follow-up as needed.
Seven County Senior Federation (SCSF) Is A Small, Independent, Member-Led Nonprofit Organization Of Older Adults Serving East Central Minnesota From Our Office In Mora. SCSF Offers Community, Peace Of Mind, And Real People Answering The Phone. Plus, We Give Older Adults A Collective Voice To Advocate For Better Choices For The Next Generation Of Older Adults. Offers Medicare and Social Security counseling and 55+ safe driving class.
Suite 7
Mora, MN 55051
St. Raphael’s Home Care is a Catholic-based organization providing compassionate home health services for aging adults. Our caregivers assist with light housekeeping, personal care, transportation, errands, companionship, and activities. Skilled services—such as medication setup, wound care, and oversight—are provided by our experienced Registered Nurses. We offer private pay options and partner with the Veterans Affairs Department to support our nation’s veterans.
North Branch, MN 55056