Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
600 E. Broad St, Suite 1300
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-7933
dmasinfo@dmas.virginia.gov
The Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver (AAL Waiver) is a Medicaid program that provides services to eligible residents of assisted living facilities who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. This waiver provides assisted living services to individuals who choose home and community based services as an alternative to nursing facility care.
The AAL Waiver is for individuals who require 24 hour supervision and are interested in assisted living.
Who Qualifies for Services?
Individuals must be a resident of a safe, secure unit of a DMAS-approved assisted living facility to receive AAL Waiver services. In addition, the individual must:
- Be age 55 years and older
- Meet nursing facility level of care
- Have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia of the Alzheimer’s type
- Be receiving an Auxiliary Grant (a program administered by the Dept. of Social Services which helps eligible individuals pay for the cost of an assisted living facility)
- Not have a diagnosis of mental retardation or serious mental illness
Who Can Help Initiate Services?
Call the local department of social services (DSS) to schedule an appointment to be screened for long-term care services. If hospitalized, request a screening from the hospital social worker or discharge planner.
Will There be a Fee?
There is no cost to be screened to determine eligibility for the waiver. Individuals receiving AAL Waiver services must also be receiving an Auxiliary Grant and have no patient pay for waiver services. DSS determines eligibility for the Auxiliary Grant program.
Is There a Waiting List?
Enrollment is limited to 200 individuals and once 200 individuals have enrolled, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS will begin a waiting list.
If Someone Doesn’t Qualify for Services, Is There an Appeal Process?
Yes, individuals denied eligibility may appeal within 30 days to:
Recipient Appeals Unit
DMAS, Suite 1300
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
More information on the appeal process can be found at: http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/ap-home.htm
What Type of Services are Available in the AAL Waiver?
Assisted Living - assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, and supervision.
Medication Administration - medication administered by a licensed professional.
Nursing Evaluations - evaluation by a registered nurse.
Therapeutic and Recreational Programming - weekly activity program based on needs and interests.
Individuals receiving AAL Waiver services also receive services through the Medicaid program. Examples include medications (for those individuals not covered under Medicare), physician visits, acute care hospitalizations, and certain thereapies.
Information on Choice
- Services that are provided are supports that are needed, that the individual chooses, and that the individual agrees are needed.
- Individuals have the right to choose from among waiver service providers and change providers as needed.
- Individuals have the right to participate in service planning and choose others to assist in service planning if needed.
Who Can Be Called For More Information?
For more information, contact an adult services worker at the local DSS. A listing of local DSS agencies may be found at: http://www.dss.state.va.us/localagency/index.html
If in a hospital or institution, contact the social worker or discharge planner for more information.
This document was developed under Grant No. 91599/3 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. However, the contents herein do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and you should not infer endorsement by the Federal government. Please include this disclaimer whenever copying or using all or any part of this document in dissemination activities.