It can be overwhelming trying to navigate the enrollment process of federal or state programs. In this article, we’ve put together everything you need to know about enrolling in the NHTD program, as well as the support you can receive along the way.
Is the NHTD Program For Me?
That’s a great question. The first thing is to fully understand what the program is all about. You can read our Comprehensive Guide to The NHTD Waiver Program.
In short, the NHTD Program (Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Program) is a New York home and community-based program for seniors who wish to remain in their own homes but still need the level of care typically found in a nursing home.
The program develops an individual care plan, including home health aides and medical providers to assist seniors from the comfort of their homes, as opposed to nursing home care that follows specific regulations.
If you want to:
- Receive more hours of personalized care
- Stay at home in a community setting
- Gain greater control over your care plan
- Access comprehensive services from skilled professionals
- Have greater independence without compromising on care
then the NHTD program may be the right choice for you.
Considering nursing home care? Learn more about the difference between the NHTD Waiver Program and nursing home care to make a better-informed decision.
Who is eligible for the NHTD Program?
To qualify to enroll in the NHTD Waiver Program seniors need to meet the following criteria:
- They must require a nursing home level of care
- They must be enrolled with Medicaid (Not enrolled? We’ll help you with that.)
- They must be ages 65+ OR be aged between 18-64 and are registered as having a physical disability
- They must sign the Freedom of Choice form
- They must have a designated living arrangement
The Enrollment Process
Step 1: Get More Information
Making a well-informed decision starts with having enough information. Find out more about the NHTD Waiver Program and its benefits by getting in touch with a trusted homecare agency or speaking with a representative from your local Medicaid office.
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility
Once you’ve decided between the NHTD Program and nursing home care, you’ll need to gather the following information to prove your eligibility for the program:
- Medical documents with proof of eligibility for nursing home care
- Medical documents with proof of a physical disability
- Proof of your enrollment in Medicaid
Step: Get Documents to Apply
This includes:
- Medical records
- Copies of Social Security cards
- Copies of Medicaid cards
- Previous bank statements
- Proof of income
- Copies of life insurance policies
- Copies of property deeds
- Pre-need burial contracts
Step 3: Consult with a Service Coordination Agency
Seek the guidance of a service coordination agency, such as Americare, to understand the assistance they provide, and how they can help with your care as a participant of the NHTD program.
Step 4: Collaborate on an Individual Service Plan
Your service coordinator will work with you to create a customized service plan, outlining the services and supports you need. The service coordinator will work to get this care plan approved by Medicaid.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Be sure to include all the necessary documentation in your application and keep to the deadlines set by federal law to ensure timely processing.
The application process can take between 2-4 months to complete, from the start of the process through to the determination of your eligibility. Any missing information can delay the process further, so it’s important to thoroughly review your application before submitting it.
Americare Can Help
Every application process can seem daunting, leaving you without knowing where to start. Every day at Americare, we help individuals make the right healthcare choices for them, and assist them through the process so they never have to go it alone.
If you’re looking for assistance with your NHTD application, or need help applying for your elderly parents, reach out to Americare today and talk to our service coordinators.
Our services include:
- Help with Medicaid enrollment
- Help with the NHTD application
- Help with determining eligibility
- Care coordinators
- Home health aides
- Independent living training
- Organized daily activities
- Modifications for home safety
- Meal delivery services
- Counseling for community inclusion
- Assistive technology
- Relocation assistance