How to apply for Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver — help moving out of a nursing home

Who it's for

The Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver helps people with disabilities or long-term illnesses who live in a nursing home move back to a home or community setting. Medicaid transition coordinators and ACT case managers help plan the move, including finding and getting housing. Depending on need, services can include homemaker help, personal care, home-delivered meals, caregiver respite, skilled nursing, medical equipment and supplies, and a personal emergency response system. Most moves happen within 180 days of applying. You must meet Medicaid's medical and financial rules. Call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) to reach your local Area Agency on Aging.

What you'll need

• Medicaid application for home and community-based waiver programs (or current Alabama Medicaid coverage)
• Medical level-of-care assessment
• Proof of income and resources

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver — help moving out of a nursing home. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need medicaid application for home and community-based waiver programs (or current Alabama Medicaid coverage), medical level-of-care assessment, proof of income and resources — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that this waiver fits your situation. You must live in a Medicaid-certified nursing facility or other institution now, or already be served by another Alabama home and community-based program. You must also need a nursing-facility level of care and meet Medicaid financial rules. If you already live at home, ask about the Elderly and Disabled Waiver instead.
2. Gather your documents. Have your Medicaid application for home and community-based waiver programs or proof of current Alabama Medicaid coverage, your medical level-of-care assessment, and proof of income and resources.
3. Apply online or call 1-800-243-5463 to reach your local Area Agency on Aging and ask for the Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver.
4. Complete any screening or follow-up steps. Alabama Medicaid makes the final decision on medical and financial eligibility.
5. Work with the transition coordinator and ACT case manager to plan your move. They can help with housing and set up services you need in the community, such as personal care, meals, respite, skilled nursing, medical equipment and supplies, or a personal emergency response system.

What to expect: After you apply, your medical and financial eligibility will be reviewed. If approved, a transition coordinator and case manager will help plan your move from the nursing home or other institution into the community. Most moves happen within 180 days of applying, but timing can vary. This is a one-time transition program. If you move to the community and keep waiver services, expect periodic reassessments.

Renewals

one-time transition (waiver services continue in the community with periodic reassessment)