How to apply for Long-Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) — Medicaid help with daily care at home in Louisiana

Who it's for

Long-Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) pays for a worker to help Medicaid members at home with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, walking, and moving in and out of bed. It may also help with light housekeeping, cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, medicine reminders, and setting up medical visits and rides. It does not cover nursing care, therapy, companionship, or sitter services, and it does not provide help 24 hours a day. You must get Medicaid, be 21 or older, qualify for nursing home care, and need at least limited help with one daily activity. You must also be in a nursing home and able to go home with services, be likely to need a nursing home within 120 days, or have a main caregiver who has a disability or is at least 70. Call Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at 1-877-456-1146.

What you'll need

• Louisiana Medicaid coverage
• Nursing home level-of-care assessment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Long-Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) — Medicaid help with daily 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 louisiana Medicaid coverage, 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. Confirm that you already have Louisiana Medicaid and that you may meet nursing home level of care.
2. Gather your Louisiana Medicaid coverage information and your nursing home level-of-care assessment.
3. Apply online or call Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at 1-877-456-1146 to apply by phone.
4. Complete any assessment steps the program requires so your need for daily help at home can be reviewed.
5. Watch for notices or follow-up requests from the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services, and respond if more information is needed.

What to expect: After you apply, the agency reviews your Medicaid status and nursing home level of care. The number of service hours depends on an assessment, and the Louisiana Department of Health makes the final decision. This program is only for people who already have Medicaid and meet nursing home level of care. If approved, expect an annual reassessment to keep services.

Renewals

annual reassessment