Alaska Consumer Directed Medicaid Wavier Program

Alaska’s Consumer Directed Medicaid Waiver Services allows family members to be hired as Direct Support Professionals (DSP) under certain conditions.  This program allows individuals to choose, train, supervise, and pay their own care providers, including family members, if they meet specific eligibility requirements. The most common service provided by family members is Personal Care Services, such as grooming, bathing, dressing etc.  The family member must be initially hired through an in-home care agency who will assist with oversight, scheduling, payments and required training.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Medicaid Wavier Services gives individuals control over their care. They can hire, supervise, and potentially fire their own Direct Support Professional, which can include family members.

• Family Members as Direct Support Professionals:

While spouses are generally not eligible, other family members can be hired through an agency under certain conditions, such as being at least 18 years old, passing a criminal background check, completing required training, and not being paid for the same services by another source.

The family member cannot be designated as a Power of Attorney or Agent for a Durable Power of Attorney or Alaska Advanced Health Care Directive.  A family member, however, appointed as a guardian or conservator through the State of Alaska Superior Court, can be hired and paid as a Direct Support Professional if approved and documented by a judge.  Documentation will need to be submitted to the individual’s care coordinator for submission to the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services, for approval.   The Guardian or conservator will still be required to be hired through an agency, must be over the age of 18 years, pass a criminal background check, complete training, and the individual cannot be receiving the same services by another source.

• Eligibility and Application:

The first steps for anyone seeking services are to apply for Alaska Medicaid and contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center, in Southeast Alaska, this is Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) for a Person-Centered Intake (PCI).  SAIL can provide information and guidance on the application process.  Because the financial criteria (income and assets) for Medicaid are restrictive, many candidates will not automatically be eligible for the Medicaid program. This does not mean they cannot become Medicaid-eligible. Many individuals choose to work with a Medicaid Planner, Estate lawyer, or Alaska Legal Services to ensure their eligibility. Each help with the paperwork, are familiar with the nuances of eligibility and can help families restructure their finances accordingly.

• Functional Assessments:

Some waivers will require a functional assessment to determine the level of care needed and eligibility.

• Compensation:

The specific payment rates can vary depending on location and services.

• Training and Support:

Both individuals and their family caregivers may need to complete training to ensure proper care and safety.

• Resources for Caregivers:

There is monthly support groups, grants, and various on-line tools for additional resources to support both the individual and the caregiver.