How to apply for Utah New Choices Waiver: Medicaid help to move from a nursing home or assisted living back to the community
Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Long Term Services and Supports
Who it's for
The New Choices Waiver is a Utah Medicaid waiver for people who live long term in a nursing facility, licensed assisted living facility, licensed small health care (Type N) facility, or another Utah licensed medical institution (except institutions for mental disease). It helps them move into a home or other community setting if they wish and if their needs can be safely met there. Participants must meet nursing facility level of care when they apply and the whole time they are in the program. Once enrolled, they can get an expanded package of supportive services through Medicaid based on their assessed needs, along with a case management agency they choose. People who do not currently live in one of these facilities cannot apply, and there is a minimum length of stay in each type of setting. Apply online (a UtahID account is needed) or contact the New Choices Waiver Program at 801-538-6155, option 6, from the Salt Lake City area, or 800-662-9651, option 6, from elsewhere.
Only people who now live in a nursing facility, assisted living facility, Type N facility, or other licensed medical institution can apply, and there is a minimum length of stay. You must also be eligible for Medicaid. Phones are staffed 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The New Choices Waiver Program 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.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Call to ask what to bring
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-801-538-6155, option 6 (toll free 1-800-662-9651, option 6)
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Utah New Choices Waiver: Medicaid help to move from a nursing home or assisted living back to the community. 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 call to ask what to bring — 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
ongoing while you meet nursing facility level of care
Related programs
Other help that people in the same situation often look at.
- Home CareUtah Home and Community Based Alternatives Program: in-home help for older adults (non-Medicaid)Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), through local Area Agencies on Aging
- Home CareUtah Medicaid Aging Waiver: in-home care for people 65+ instead of a nursing homeUtah Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), through local Area Agencies on Aging
- Caregiver SupportUtah Family Caregiver Support Program (through Area Agencies on Aging)Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), through local Area Agencies on Aging
- Long Term CarePACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the ElderlyCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (delivered by local PACE organizations)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.