The Elderly or Disabled with Consumer-Direction (EDCD) Waiver, now known as the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) Waiver in Virginia, is a Medicaid program that provides home and community-based services to individuals who are elderly or have disabilities. This program is designed to help people avoid institutional care, such as nursing homes, by offering support services at home or in the community. If you or a loved one is interested in enrolling in this program, the following step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

1. Determine Eligibility

The first step in enrolling in the EDCD (CCC Plus) Waiver program is to determine your eligibility. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Virginia resident.

• Be 65 years or older or have a disability.

• Meet the financial and functional eligibility requirements for Medicaid.

• Require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or mobility, or need supervision for health and safety reasons.

You will need to undergo an assessment to evaluate your health and functional status.

Resource for Eligibility Check:

• Virginia Medicaid: You can check eligibility requirements and financial limits at the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) website: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov

2. Apply for Medicaid

If you are not already enrolled in Medicaid, you will need to apply, as the EDCD Waiver is a Medicaid-based program. You can apply for Medicaid online, in person at your local Department of Social Services, or by phone.

How to Apply for Medicaid:

• Online: Visit the Virginia Medicaid website at CommonHelp to apply online.

• By Phone: Call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282.

• In Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.

3. Request a Screening

Once your Medicaid application is approved or if you already have Medicaid, you must request a screening for the EDCD Waiver program. This screening will determine whether you meet the criteria for needing long-term care services. The screening can be conducted by your local Department of Social Services or a hospital discharge planner if you are in a hospital.

How to Request a Screening:

• Contact: Reach out to your local Department of Social Services or your local health department to schedule a screening. You can find contact information for your local DSS at Virginia DSS Office Locator.

4. Assessment and Approval

The assessment team will evaluate your need for services by reviewing your ability to perform daily living tasks, any medical needs, and your overall functional limitations. The screening team may include nurses and social workers.

If you are approved for the EDCD Waiver, you will be eligible to receive services under the CCC Plus Waiver program.

Services Provided Under the EDCD (CCC Plus) Waiver:

• Personal care services (assistance with daily activities).

• Adult day care.

• Respite care for caregivers.

• Assistive technology.

• Environmental modifications (e.g., wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms).

• Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS).

5. Choose a Managed Care Plan

After you have been approved for the EDCD Waiver, you will be enrolled in the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) program. This is a managed care program, and you will need to choose a managed care health plan that best meets your needs. Each plan offers case management services to help coordinate your care.

You will be assigned a care coordinator who will work with you to develop a plan of care that outlines the services you need and ensures those services are delivered.

Managed Care Plans:

Some managed care plans available under CCC Plus include:

• Aetna Better Health of Virginia

• Anthem HealthKeepers Plus

• Magellan Complete Care of Virginia

• Optima Health Community Care

• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

• Virginia Premier

6. Receive Services

Once enrolled in the CCC Plus program, you will begin receiving services based on the care plan developed by your care coordinator. This can include home health aides, personal care assistants, and other services to help you live independently at home.

Helpful Resources for Enrollment

• Virginia Medicaid Services: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov

• Virginia CommonHelp (for Medicaid Application): https://commonhelp.virginia.gov

• Cover Virginia (Medicaid Information and Application): https://coverva.org

• Local Department of Social Services Locator: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/

• Virginia Medicaid Helpline: 1-855-242-8282

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Enrolling in the EDCD Waiver Program in Virginia is a multi-step process that involves determining eligibility, applying for Medicaid, getting a screening, and selecting a managed care plan. With the right resources and support, individuals can receive vital home-based services that help them live independently and avoid institutional care.

Be sure to check with your local Department of Social Services for specific details and support throughout the process.