At MDC Healthcare, our care coordinators help families understand eligibility requirements and guide them through the process of using Medicaid benefits.
Medicaid information
Using Medicaid to Cover In-Home Care and Adult Day Health Services
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a government healthcare program that helps cover medical and long-term care services for individuals who meet certain financial and medical eligibility requirements.
For seniors and individuals with disabilities, Medicaid can help cover services that allow them to receive care at home or in community-based programs, rather than moving into a nursing facility.
These services may include:
- In-Home Personal Care
- Adult Day Health Services
- Assistance with daily living activities
- Care coordination and support services
For many families, Medicaid becomes an important resource that helps make long-term care more affordable.
Medicaid vs Medicare: Understanding the Difference
Many families confuse Medicaid and Medicare, but they serve different purposes.
Medicaid
Medicaid is designed to help individuals with long-term care needs and limited financial resources. It can cover services that support daily living and allow seniors to remain in their homes or community programs.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals age 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. It typically covers:
- Hospital care
- Doctor visits
- Short-term rehabilitation
- Limited home health services
However, Medicare generally does not cover long-term personal care services such as ongoing in-home caregiving or adult day care.
Many seniors may have both Medicare and Medicaid, which is sometimes called being “dual eligible.”
If you’re unsure which programs your loved one qualifies for, our team can help you understand your options.
How Medicaid Works in Georgia
In Georgia, Medicaid programs are designed to help eligible individuals receive care in the community rather than in a nursing home whenever possible.
These programs are part of what’s known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
To qualify, individuals typically must:
- Meet Medicaid financial eligibility guidelines
- Require a level of care similar to what is provided in a nursing facility
- Complete an eligibility and assessment process
This is where many families begin to feel overwhelmed — but this is also where MDC Healthcare steps in to help.
Our team helps guide you through:
- The application process
- Determining eligibility
- Understanding available programs
- Starting care services once approved
Georgia Medicaid Waiver Programs
Georgia offers several Medicaid waiver programs that allow individuals to receive care while continuing to live at home or attend community-based programs like Adult Day Health.
Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP)
The EDWP program helps seniors and individuals with disabilities receive support services at home instead of moving into a nursing facility.
Services may include:
- Personal care assistance
- In-home support
- Adult day services
- Case management
This program is designed to help individuals maintain independence while receiving the care they need.
Community Care Services Program (CCSP)
CCSP provides home and community-based services to individuals who require nursing-home level care but prefer to remain living at home.
Services may include:
- Personal support services
- Adult day health care
- Home-delivered meals
- Care coordination
This program is one of the most common ways families access Medicaid-funded care for seniors.
Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE)
SOURCE is a program that combines primary healthcare services with long-term care support.
It helps individuals manage chronic health conditions while also receiving assistance with daily living needs.
SOURCE participants receive:
- Medical care coordination
- In-home care services
- Adult day health services
- Long-term care support
This program is especially helpful for individuals who need both medical oversight and personal care support.
How To Get Started
How MDC Healthcare Guides You Through the Entire Process
Navigating Medicaid can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
MDC Healthcare has dedicated personnel who help guide families through every phase of the process, including:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We learn about your loved one’s needs and determine whether Medicaid may be an option.
Step 2: Application & Enrollment
Our team guides you through the Medicaid application, eligibility requirements, and coordinating services through the appropriate waiver program and *CMO.
Step 3: Custom Care Plan
We create a personalized care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
Even after care begins, we continue to work with your family, the *CMO, and care providers to ensure everything runs smoothly.
*Case Management Organizations (CMOs) work with providers like MDC Healthcare to ensure your loved one receives the services they are approved for by the state.
We are here to support you before, during, and after care begins.
Why Many Families Use Medicaid for Senior Care
Medicaid is one of the most common ways families cover the cost of long-term care services.
In fact, a significant portion of long-term care services for seniors is funded through Medicaid programs.
Families often rely on Medicaid because it can:
✔ Reduce the financial burden of ongoing care
✔ Allow seniors to remain at home longer
✔ Provide access to structured adult day programs
✔ Support families caring for aging parents
Our goal is to help families access the resources available to them so their loved one can receive the care they need.
You’re Not Alone in This Process
Many families feel overwhelmed when first learning about Medicaid and care options. Our goal is to make the process easier and help your loved one receive the care they deserve.
Call today to speak with a Medicaid care coordinator.
We will walk you through the process and help you take the next step toward care.
