How to apply for Community Choices Waiver (CCW) — Medicaid care at home instead of a nursing home in Louisiana

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.

What you'll need

• Long-term care Medicaid application
• Nursing home level-of-care assessment

Where to apply

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.

Step by step

1. Check that this program fits your needs. It helps people age 21 or older who need nursing-home-level care get services at home instead of in a nursing home.
2. Gather the required items. You will need a long-term care Medicaid application and a nursing home level-of-care assessment.
3. Apply online or apply by phone at 1-877-456-1146.
4. Complete the long-term care Medicaid application as part of the process.
5. Take part in the nursing home level-of-care assessment when it is scheduled.
6. Ask questions about special situations if needed. People with income over $2,982 a month may still qualify through a spend-down, and married couples have special rules that protect the spouse at home.

What to expect: After you apply, LDH will review your long-term care Medicaid application and level-of-care assessment and make the final decision. There can be a wait for a waiver opening, since most people are served on a first-come, first-served basis, though some groups get priority. If approved, you will need an annual reassessment to keep the waiver.

Renewals

annual reassessment