How to apply for Community Choices Waiver (CCW) — Medicaid care at home instead of a nursing home
Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS)
Who it's for
The Community Choices Waiver helps older adults and adults with disabilities who need nursing-home-level care get help at home instead. Services can include a support coordinator, personal care, adult day health care, home-delivered meals (up to two a day), home changes such as ramps and grab bars, medical supplies, an emergency response button, nursing and therapy, and short-term relief for caregivers. It does not provide help 24 hours a day. You must qualify for long-term care Medicaid, be 21 or older, and meet nursing home level of care. For 2026, the long-term care income limit is $2,982 a month and the resource limit is $2,000 for one person. Most people get a waiver opening on a first-come, first-served basis; some groups get priority. Call Louisiana Options in Long Term-Care at 1-877-456-1146.
There can be a wait for a waiver opening. People with income over $2,982 a month may still qualify through a spend-down. Married couples have special rules that protect the spouse at home. LDH makes the final decision.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Find my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Long-term care Medicaid application
- Nursing home level-of-care assessment
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-877-456-1146
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Community Choices Waiver (CCW) — Medicaid care at home instead 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 long-term care Medicaid application, nursing home level-of-care assessment — 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.
Renewals
annual reassessment
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.