Community Options
Supporting Independence for Adults with Disabilities
SWCAA supports the safe and successful transition of nursing home residents back into the community through the Money Follows the Person Program (MFP). Eligible residents may receive assistance with securing appropriate housing, arranging in‑home care, and obtaining needed assistive equipment to promote independence and safety.
SWCAA’s Community Options care managers also provide specialized support for individuals with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) and for adults ages 18–64 with significant disabilities through programs such as the Personal Care Assistance Waiver and Community First Choice which serves populations of all ages. These programs help individuals remain in the setting of their choice while receiving the personal care and supports necessary to live as independently as possible.
At the heart of it all, Community Options is about empowerment, independence, and choice—helping people live where they feel most at home: in their community.
Community Options
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver Program is a Medicaid-funded program that supports adults living with acquired or traumatic brain injuries who would otherwise require care in an institutional setting. The program is designed to help individuals continue living safely and independently in their own homes and communities by offering a wide range of medical and non-medical services.
Through person-centered planning, each participant receives an individualized plan of care that addresses their cognitive, physical, and behavioral support needs. Services focus on helping individuals relearn, improve, or maintain the skills necessary for successful community living.
Who Is Eligible?
The ABI Waiver is available to Medicaid beneficiaries who:
- Are between 18 and 64 years old
- Have an acquired or traumatic brain injury
- Meet the program’s functional requirements, including the need for assistance with at least two Activities of Daily Living (such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, or transferring)
- Meet the institutional level of care, meaning they would otherwise need long-term care placement
- Meet Medicaid’s financial requirements or qualify through Med-Connect for working individuals
Individuals must also be able to participate in developing a plan of care—or have a Conservator who can do so on their behalf.
What to Expect
Once waiver slot is available, the Access Agency in your region will complete an assessment and work with you, your family, and your providers to develop a personalized plan of care. Services are designed to support independence, safety, and meaningful engagement in the community. These may include:
- Personal care and daily living assistance
- Independent living skills training
- Cognitive and behavioral support
- Community and vocational supports
- Homemaking, chore assistance, and companion services
- Assistive Technology
- Transportation and vehicle modifications
- Respite services for caregivers
- Case management to coordinate care
Participants also have the option to self-direct certain services, giving them the ability to hire and supervise their own support staff with guidance from the program.
How to Apply
Applicants or their representatives can contact the Department of Social Services Community Options Unit at 1-800-445-5394, option 5 to be placed on the waiting list. When a space becomes available, the applicant will complete the required forms, undergo a functional screening and determine financial eligibility. If all criteria are met, the individual is added to the waiver and assigned to an Access Agency to begin the planning process.
Community First Choice (CFC)
Community First Choice (CFC)
Community First Choice (CFC) is a Medicaid benefit created under the Affordable Care Act that gives individuals who meet an institutional level of care the option to receive support services in their own homes rather than in a nursing home or long-term care facility. This program promotes independence by allowing people to remain safely in the community with assistance from caregivers they choose themselves.
CFC is a self-directed program, meaning participants are responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and managing their own Personal Care Assistants (PCAs). There is no ongoing care management component; instead, individuals have full control over their staffing and daily support.
Eligibility
CFC is available to Medicaid members (HUSKY A, C, or D) who:
- Meet the program’s functional requirements
- Meet the institutional level of care criteria
- Are able to self-direct their services, or have a representative who can do so
- Have no age restrictions—children, adults, and older adults may all qualify
What to Expect
After a referral is received, the case is assigned to a Specialized Case Manager in the applicant’s region. The Case Manager will schedule a home visit to complete a comprehensive assessment, determine level of care eligibility, and establish the participant’s annual budget.
Once enrolled, participants can use their budget to hire qualified PCAs from within their communities, giving them flexibility and choice in how their care is delivered. Annual reassessments will be completed to determine ongoing eligibility and update participant’s annual budget.
Fiduciary agent services are provided by GT Independence, who can be reached at 877-659-4500.
How to Apply
To begin the process, click the button below.
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federal demonstration program funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and administered in Connecticut by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The program helps Medicaid-eligible individuals living in long-term care facilities—such as nursing homes, hospitals, and other qualified institutions—successfully transition back into the community.
MFP is designed for individuals who want to return to independent living but need support to do so safely. The program provides access to services, supports, and housing resources that make community living possible.
Eligibility
To qualify for Money Follows the Person, an individual must:
- Have lived in a nursing home, hospital, or other qualified institution for at least 60 days.
- Have been on Medicaid for at least one day prior to transitioning
- Have a desire to return to the community and live independently
What to Expect
After a referral is made to DSS, the case is assigned to a Specialized Care Manager (SCM) from SWCAA. The Specialized Care Manger will:
- Complete an assessment and determine eligibility
- Develop a person-centered plan tailored to the individual’s needs
- Assign a Transition Coordinator to guide the individual through each step of the transition process until they successfully return to the community
- If housing assistance is needed, a Housing Coordinator is assigned who can assist in locating safe, affordable housing
- Individuals will remain on MFP for 365 days after returning home to ensure community success
How to Apply
A referral can be made by the individual, a family member, a guardian, or a facility staff member. Once the referral is submitted, DSS will review the information and assign a Specialized Care Manager to begin the planning process.
Individuals who are currently living in a nursing home, hospital, or other qualifying long-term care facility can apply for Money Follows the Person by contacting the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). To begin the process, click the button below.
Personal Care Assistance (PCA)
Personal Care Assistance (PCA)
The Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program is a Medicaid Waiver Program that supports adults with disabilities who meet an institutional level of care, allowing them to live independently in the community rather than in a long-term care facility. The program has the option for self-direction, giving participants control over their care and services.
Eligibility
- Ability to establish Medicaid
- Ages 18–64
- Meet institutional level of care and functional eligibility requirements
What to Expect
- Participants will have the option to utilize agency services or to self-direct their own personal care attendants
- Personal Care Attendants will provide assistance with activities of daily living
- Service options also include Meals on Wheels, Adult Daycare and Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
How to Apply
- Individuals are placed on a waiting list
- When a program slot opens, a referral is sent to SWCAA
- A Specialized Care Manager will contact the individual to complete an assessment and determine eligibility and create a person-centered care plan
To begin the process, click the button below.
Need more information or help filling out Community Options program applications?
Contact our Aging Answers Department at 800‑994‑9422 and a member of our CHOICES Team can assist you with filling out and submitting the application.