How to apply for Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Medicaid Waiver — care at home instead of a nursing home in Alabama

Who it's for

The Elderly and Disabled Waiver helps older adults and people with disabilities who are at risk of nursing home placement get care at home instead. A case manager works with you on a care plan. Depending on the plan, services can include personal care, homemaker help, respite for caregivers, adult day health, companion services, and home-delivered frozen meals. For 2026, the income limit is $2,982 a month and the resource limit is $2,000. You must have Medicaid or meet its financial rules and qualify medically. 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
• 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 Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Medicaid Waiver — 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 medicaid application for home and community-based waiver programs, 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 you may qualify. You must meet Medicaid financial rules and have a nursing-facility level of care based on a medical assessment. For 2026, the applicant income limit is $2,982 a month and the resource limit is $2,000.
2. Gather the needed records. Get your Medicaid application for home and community-based waiver programs, proof of income and resources, and any information needed for a medical level-of-care assessment.
3. Apply online or call 1-800-243-5463 to reach your local Area Agency on Aging and start the waiver application.
4. Complete the medical level-of-care assessment when asked. This assessment is used to decide if you need a nursing-facility level of care.
5. Provide any requested proof for Medicaid financial eligibility. Make sure your income and resource information is complete and up to date.
6. Work with a case manager on your care plan if you move forward in the process. Services depend on your individual care plan and available waiver slots.
7. Watch for the final decision from Alabama Medicaid.

What to expect: After you apply, the agency reviews your Medicaid financial eligibility and your medical level-of-care assessment. A case manager may help build a care plan for services at home, but services depend on your plan and available waiver slots. Alabama Medicaid makes the final decision. If approved, expect an annual reassessment to renew eligibility and confirm your care needs.

Renewals

annual reassessment