Glossary: MA-Waiver Programs

Things that you own, like a car or a house. You can only own a certain amount in assets and still qualify for many health care and disability benefit programs. The home you live in and the car you drive to work are exempt under most Social Security and state disability benefit programs. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the first $100,000 in an ABLE account is not counted as assets. For Medical Assistance, SNAP (formerly Food Support/Food Stamps), and some other programs, none of the money in an ABLE account is counted.

Also called "resources."

Technological devices that help people with disabilities carry out daily activities.

An MA-Waiver program that provides services to people with a brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance (MA). The services help people live in the community instead of in a nursing facility or neurobehavioral hospital (a hospital that offers long-term rehabilitation to people who have a brain injury).

For more information, contact your or Chat with a Hub expert.

Services that help people access the MA-Waiver services they need. Case management services can include developing a service plan, informing the individual (or their guardian or conservator) of service options, helping identify potential service providers, coordinating services, evaluating and monitoring services, and annual reviews.

Services designed to improve cognitive abilities (e.g., the ability to reason, make judgments, remember).

An MA-Waiver program that provides services to people with disabilities who qualify for Medical Assistance (MA). The services help people live in the community instead of in a nursing home.

For more information, contact your county or tribal human services office or Chat with a Hub expert.

An MA-Waiver program that provides services to people who are chronically ill and qualify for Medical Assistance (MA). The services help people live in the community instead of in a hospital.

For more information, contact your county or tribal human services office or Chat with a Hub expert.

Plan that helps MA-Waiver recipients identify and access the services and supports they need to live in the community. The plan is designed to suit each individual's needs. Also referred to as a "plan of care."

This option gives the consumer more responsibility for directing the services and supports being provided to them, including hiring and managing direct care staff.

Each enrollee in a MA-Waiver program has their own plan outlining the services they need to continue living safely in the community. This is known as a “individual plan of care” (sometimes referred to as a “community support plan”).

A state-run health care program that pays medical expenses for people who are disabled, young, elderly, poor, or pregnant. If you meet program requirements, MA will help pay for a variety of medical services including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, home care services, and prescription drugs. To apply for MA, visit your county or tribal human services office.

All public health care and benefits programs require that your medical condition be re-assessed within certain timeframes. If Social Security or the State Medical Review Team determines that you are no longer disabled during one of these assessments, you’ll lose your eligibility for that program. This is known as “medical redetermination.”

A review of your situation to see what long-term care programs and services are best for you. A MnCHOICES assessment may include reviews of:

• Long-term care needs
• Personal care assistance options, and
• Developmental disability screening.

The MnCHOICES assessment can help you figure out what services and programs might help you live in the community, including MA-Waiver programs, Medical Assistance (MA), personal care assistance (PCA) services, or other benefits. Even if you are not eligible for public benefits, the assessment can help you understand what services, accommodations, and resources exist.

Anyone who needs long-term care can call their local county or tribal human services office and request a MnCHOICES assessment. The county has to schedule the consultation within 20 days.

Learn more about MnCHOICES.

Note: Long-Term Care Consultations (LTCCs) used to help people in a similar way. MnCHOICES assessments are replacing the LTCC throughout Minnesota.

Physical changes made to a person’s home or vehicle to better accommodate that person’s disability. Examples of such modifications include widening doorways for easier wheelchair access or adding extra hand controls to a vehicle.

Supervision and assistance provided in the home or community that helps the person achieve greater independence, productivity and inclusion in the community. Personal support services are provided when training services are not necessary.

Plan that helps MA-Waiver recipients identify and access the services and supports they need to live in the community. The plan is designed to suit each individual's needs. Also referred to as a "community support plan."

Any document that the state will accept as proof of your identity. Click here for a listing.

Eligibility for a particular program that is granted for months prior to the month of application. Some state health care programs, for example, allow you to begin your health coverage three months prior to the month you apply.

Designed for people who may benefit from continued assistance with community living skills. Structured day program services take place in a non-residential setting.

Services to help people with disabilities find a job or remain employed. Services include things like job skills training, job coaching, or help requesting workplace accommodations.

Services provided to people who require daily staff assistance due to severe behavior problems, medical conditions, physical problems, or lack of adequate survival skills. Services are designed to help people acquire and improve their self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills.