- American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org
- US Department of Health and Human Services www.hhs.gov
- American Heart Association www.heart.org
- American Geriatrics Society www.americangeriatrics.org
- American Physical Therapy Association www.apta.org
- National Institutes of Health www.nih.gov
- American Health Care Association www.ahcancal.org
- American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing www.aapacn.org
Learn How to Qualify for Medicaid Waiver Programs
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP)
Formerly known as CCSP and SOURCE
The EDWP is designed for frail elderly individuals or those with physical disabilities. It is split into two pathways: CCSP (social/support focus) and SOURCE (medical/primary care focus).
Who Qualifies?
- Age/Status: 65+ years old, or under 65 with a permanent physical disability.
- Medical: Must meet the “Nursing Home Level of Care” (need help with at least two daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating).
- Financial (2026 Estimates): * Income: Monthly gross income must generally be below $2,982 (300% of the SSI limit).
- Assets: Countable assets (savings, stocks, etc.) must be below $2,000 for an individual.
- Residence: Must be a Georgia resident and choose home-based care over an institution.
Services Provided
- Personal Support: Assistance with bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
- Adult Day Health: Supervised daytime activities and medical monitoring.
- Alternative Living Services: Care provided in a licensed personal care home.
- Home Delivered Meals: Nutritional support for those unable to cook.
- Respite Care: Temporary relief for family caregivers.
- Emergency Response: 24/7 wearable alert buttons.
How to Apply
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) via the statewide intake line:
- Phone: 1-866-552-4464
- Link: Apply for EDWP | Georgia.gov
Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP)
The ICWP serves adults with severe physical disabilities or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to help them live as independently as possible.
Who Qualifies?
- Age: Must be between 21 and 64 years old at the time of application.
- Medical: Must have a severe physical disability (e.g., spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disease) or a TBI. Must be medically stable but require a hospital or nursing home level of care.
- Financial: Must meet Medicaid eligibility requirements for income and assets.
Services Provided
- Personal Support Services: Long-term assistance with daily living tasks.
- Counseling: Emotional and psychological support for the member.
- Home Modifications: Ramps, widened doorways, or bathroom modifications.
- Specialized Medical Equipment: Supplies not covered by standard Medicaid.
- Financial Management Services: Support for those who choose to hire their own caregivers.
How to Apply
Applications are handled by Alliant Health Solutions:
- Phone: 1-888-669-7195
- Link: Apply for ICWP | Georgia.gov
NOW & COMP Waiver Programs
These programs support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
- NOW (New Options Waiver): For those with less intensive needs.
- COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver): For those requiring intensive, often 24/7, support.
Who Qualifies?
- Diagnosis: Must have an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability (e.g., Autism, Cerebral Palsy) that occurred before age 22.
- Medical: Must require an “Intermediate Care Facility” level of care.
- Financial: Must be eligible for Medicaid.
Services Provided
- Community Living Support: Training and assistance to live in the community.
- Supported Employment: Help finding and keeping a job (Job Coaching).
- Behavioral Support: Professional consultation for behavioral challenges.
- Specialized Medical Supplies: For items not covered by State Plan Medicaid.
- Residential Services (COMP only): Housing and 24-hour support in group homes.
How to Apply
Apply through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD):
- Phone: Contact your Regional Field Office.
- Link: Apply for NOW/COMP | Georgia.gov