How to apply for Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) — Support for Unpaid Family Caregivers (Washington)

Who it's for

Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) supports unpaid family caregivers of adults 55 and older who are on Apple Health (Medicaid) and need help with daily activities such as bathing, walking, medications or transfers. Instead of the care receiver enrolling in full long-term care, MAC gives the caregiving pair services like respite care, housekeeping and errands, support groups and counseling, caregiver training, adult day health or adult day care, and specialized medical equipment or supplies, at one of three benefit levels based on need. The caregiver must be 18 or older. Call Community Living Connections at 1-855-567-0252 or your local Area Agency on Aging to ask for an assessment. If the person you care for is 55+ but not on Medicaid, ask about the sister program, Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA).

What you'll need

• Proof the care receiver has Apple Health (Medicaid)
• Caregiver and care-receiver contact information for the Community Living Connections assessment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) — Support for Unpaid Family Caregivers (Washington). 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 the care receiver has Apple Health (Medicaid), caregiver and care-receiver contact information for the Community Living Connections 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 the person you care for is age 55 or older, is on Apple Health (Medicaid), and needs help with daily activities. Make sure the caregiver is age 18 or older and unpaid.
2. Gather proof that the care receiver has Apple Health (Medicaid). Also gather contact information for both the caregiver and the care receiver.
3. Apply online or call Community Living Connections at 1-855-567-0252. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging to ask for an assessment.
4. Complete the assessment with Community Living Connections or the Area Agency on Aging. Share the requested contact information and proof of Apple Health (Medicaid).
5. Answer questions about the care receiver’s daily needs and the help the unpaid caregiver provides. The assessment is used to set the MAC benefit level based on need.
6. If the person you care for is age 55 or older but is not on Medicaid, ask about Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) instead.

What to expect: After you apply, Community Living Connections or the Area Agency on Aging will review the information and complete an assessment. If MAC is a fit, services may be approved based on the assessed level of need. MAC requires an unpaid caregiver and a care receiver who is on Apple Health (Medicaid). Renewal is done every year through a reassessment. This is not legal or financial advice.

Renewals

annual (reassessment)