Q: I am in frail health and require some help with bathing, dressing, and meal preparation – but I have very few financial assets. Does the state of Kansas have any programs that might help me?

A: If you are at least 65 years old and qualify for Medicaid benefits, you may be eligible for services through the Home and Community-Based Services/Frail Elderly program. Its goal is to provide long-term care services in an integrated care setting.

The program, which has been administered by the Kansas Department on Aging for eight years, provides services that include:

¢ Personal care, such as feeding, bathing, and dressing.

¢ Household tasks, such as shopping, meal preparation, house cleaning, and laundry.

¢ Health services, such as health monitoring and 24-hour support for medical emergencies.

¢ Other services, including adult day care, assistive technology, medication reminders, sleep cycle support, and wellness monitoring.

To be eligible for benefits through the program, you must:

¢ Be 65 or older and in frail health.

¢ Be assessed by a qualified case manager and determined to meet the long-term care threshold for services.

¢ Meet financial eligibility requirements for Medicaid (not counting your home and vehicle).

You will be asked to help pay for services if your countable income is greater than the allowable income per month.

How do I apply?

To see whether you qualify for Medicaid benefits, contact your closest Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services office, asking to apply for Medicaid and the HCBS/FE program. You will need to fill out an application for Medicaid assistance. Information and verification of your income and assets will be required.

If you already receive Medicaid assistance and think you are eligible for the HCBS/FE program, you may contact your local Area Agency on Aging directly.

What else can I expect?

To obtain Home and Community-Based Services, your health care needs will be assessed to determine the services needed to maintain your level of independence. The screening will be done by an assessor of the Area Agency on Aging. Contact your local AAA to obtain an assessment (the process may take up to two hours).

What will happen if I am eligible?

A plan of care will be developed, based on information gathered during the assessment. You will be actively involved in creating the plan of care with help from a case manager. Your plan of care will include the type, amount, frequency, and length of time each service is to be provided, and who your choice of providers will be.

What if I am not eligible?

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the HCBS/FE program, there may be other services that can help you. Your AAA case manager can help you review your needs and connect you with appropriate services.

A booklet titled “Home and Community-Based Services for the Frail Elderly” provides more details about the HCBS/FE program and contact information for SRS offices and Area Agencies on Aging statewide. To obtain a copy of the booklet write, call or e-mail to:

Kansas Department on Aging

503 S. Kansas Ave.

Topeka, KS 66603

(785) 296-4986

or toll-free (800) 432-3535

www.agingkansas.org