How to apply for Living Choice — help moving out of a nursing home (Oklahoma Money Follows the Person)

Who it's for

Living Choice helps Oklahomans on SoonerCare who have lived in a nursing home or similar facility for at least 60 days in a row move back to a home or apartment in the community. A transition team helps plan the move and set up services. Depending on need, services can include case management, personal care, home-delivered meals, adult day care, assisted living, skilled nursing, therapy, transportation, prescription drugs, and a one-time payment of up to $3,000 to help with the move (for things like deposits and basic household items). It serves adults 65 and older with chronic illnesses, adults 19 to 64 with physical disabilities, and adults 19 and older with intellectual disabilities. Anyone — you, a family member, or a doctor — can make a referral. Call 1-888-287-2443.

What you'll need

• SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) member ID number
• Proof of at least 60 days in a row living in a nursing facility, skilled nursing facility, or ICF/IID
• Name, address, and phone number of the person being referred

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Living Choice — help moving out of a nursing home (Oklahoma Money Follows the Person). 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 soonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) member ID number, proof of at least 60 days in a row living in a nursing facility, skilled nursing facility, or ICF/IID, name, address, and phone number of the person being referred — 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 the basic rules before you apply. You must live in a nursing facility or similar institution now, have lived there for at least 60 days in a row, have at least one day of SoonerCare-paid long-term care before the move, and need the same level of care in the community. OHCA decides who qualifies.
2. Gather the needed information. Have the SoonerCare member ID number, proof of at least 60 days in a row living in a nursing facility, skilled nursing facility, or ICF/IID, and the name, address, and phone number of the person being referred.
3. Choose how to start the referral. Apply online or call 1-888-287-2443. You, a family member, or a doctor can make the referral.
4. Give the referral details. Share the person’s contact information, SoonerCare member ID number, and proof of the facility stay when asked.
5. Work with the transition team if OHCA moves the referral forward. Complete any planning steps needed to help set up the move back to a home or apartment and community services.

What to expect: After you submit the referral, OHCA reviews it and decides if the person qualifies. If the referral moves forward, a transition team helps plan the move and set up services in the community. Processing times vary, so ask OHCA for an estimate. This is a one-time transition program, but services can continue in the community under SoonerCare.

Renewals

one-time transition (services continue in the community under SoonerCare)