Home and Community Based Services

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) provide support for individuals age 65+ that may allow them to continue living in their homes and communities.  Eligibility for the following HCBS Programs is determined through an initial assessment.
Alternative Care (AC) ProgramThe Alternative Care (AC) program provides home and community-based services to people who need nursing home-level of care but choose to live in the community.  The Alternative Care program provides many of the same services as the Elderly Waiver program.  Alternative Care is for people with low income and assets who are not eligible for Medical Assistance.

Elderly Waiver (EW) Program

The Elderly Waiver (EW) program provides home and community-based services for people who need the level of care provided in a nursing home but who choose to live in the community.  You must qualify for Medical Assistance to be eligible for Elderly Waiver services.

Those enrolled in the Alternative Care or Elderly Waiver programs may be able to access the following services:

• Adult Day Services
• Chore Services
• Companion Services
• Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)
• Family Caregiver Support Services (Including Respite)
• Home Health Aides
• Home-Delivered Meals
• Homemaker Services
• Home and Vehicle Modifications
• Individual Community Living Supports (ICLS)
• Non-Medical Transportation
• Nutrition Services
• Personal Emergency Response Systems
• Personal Care Assistance
• Skilled Nursing Visits
• Specialized Equipment and Supplies

Eligible individuals are assigned a case manager to assist with coordination of these services.  Case Management is provided directly by McLeod County nurses and social workers.  McLeod County manages MN State Plan funded services (i.e. through the Alternative Care program) and works as a delegated case management provider for PrimeWest Health funded services (i.e. through the Elderly Waiver Program).

In addition, Case Management is a service that is available to all PrimeWest Health members age 65 and older.

EW Program Brochure (PDF)