Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for COPES Waiver (Medicaid Long-Term Care at Home)
DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), Home and Community Services
Who it's for
COPES lets Washingtonians who need nursing-facility-level care get that care at home or in a community setting instead — personal care, adult day health, home modifications, and more. For 2026, monthly income must be $2,982 or less (the Medicaid special income level) and countable resources $2,000 or less for one person, with spousal protections for married applicants. A DSHS CARE assessment determines the level-of-care need. Contact the local Home and Community Services office or call 1-855-567-0252 to start.
COPES requires a DSHS CARE assessment showing nursing-facility level of care, and married applicants use spousal-impoverishment rules that can protect substantially more resources — so this shows as a may-qualify result. The Home and Community Services office makes the determination.
What you'll need
- Proof of income
- Proof of resources
- Medical/functional information for the CARE assessment
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-855-567-0252
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about COPES Waiver (Medicaid Long-Term Care at 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 proof of income, proof of resources, medical/functional information for the 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
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.