Medicaid & SD-CFC/PAS Program

At Alpenglow Homecare, we understand the challenges of caring for a medically fragile loved one. The rising costs of in-home care can add to the stress, but Montana's in-home care programs, such as Self-Directed Community First Choice (SD-CFC) / Personal Assistance Services (PAS), Big Sky Waiver, Severe and Disabling Mental Illness (SDMI) Waiver, and Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) can help.

These programs are designed to provide essential support, allowing your loved ones to remain in the comfort of their homes and communities instead of being placed in an institutional facility.

Alpenglow Homecare will be your partner in this journey, helping you work out the complexities of Medicaid-funded programs in Montana.

SD-CFC/PAS Program Eligibility

A person may be eligible for the SD-CFC/PAS program if they are a Montana Medicaid member and meet the state's definition of needing Institutional Level of Care. This means that without in-home support services, your loved one would likely require placement in a nursing home or similar facility.

At Alpenglow Homecare, we understand that many families choose to care for their loved ones at home. While we do not directly handle the Medicaid or SD-CFC/PAS application processes, we can help you navigate the complexities of both Medicaid and the SD-CFC/PAS program to find the best fit for your family's situation.

How SD-CFC/PAS Program Benefits Caregivers

The SD-CFC/PAS program can be a tremendous resource for families caring for the infirm, elderly, or severely disabled people, offering support that empowers you to continue providing excellent care for your loved ones.

Financial Assistance: The program can help ease the financial burden of caring for a medically fragile person by covering the costs of competent in-home care services. This can ease your financial burden so you can use your resources for other essential needs without compromising your loved one's well-being.
Guidance and Support: Alpenglow Homecare provides ongoing support and guidance to you as the caregiver. We offer comprehensive training resources to help you feel confident in your caregiving abilities.
Self-Directed Care and Choice: A key benefit of the SD-CFC/PAS program is self-direction. This means you have a say in the type and schedule of care your loved one receives. You can choose to manage all aspects of care yourself or hire qualified professionals for specific tasks, supplementing your own caregiving efforts.

Other Medicaid Programs

At Alpenglow Homecare, we can also help you access other Medicaid programs available in Montana that may be more suited to your particular needs.

Big Sky Waiver (BSW)

Big Sky Waiver (BSW) is designed to support elderly or disabled MT residents at risk of institutionalization. Aimed at preventing unnecessary nursing home placements, BSW offers long-term care and support to help your loved ones live independently in their home or community setting.

To qualify, your loved ones must be financially eligible for standard Medicaid and must be 65 years old or older or meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) physical disability criteria.

Benefits of BSW can include adult day care, home and vehicle modifications, personal care services, homemaker services, skilled nursing, personal emergency response systems, and respite care.

Severe and Disabling Mental Illness (SDMI) Waiver

The Severe and Disabling Mental Illness (SDMI) Waiver program provides support and services to Medicaid members with severe mental illnesses, promoting community living and independence. This program ensures the independence and overall well-being of people with severe mental illnesses who require long-term care.

The SDMI Waiver program offers a comprehensive range of services and support tailored to meet the unique needs of your loved ones facing severe mental health challenges. Program services can include residential habilitation, homemaker services, transportation, emergency assistance, and specialized nursing care.

Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP)

Every person deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life. For people with developmental disabilities, this can sometimes require extra support. That’s where Montana’s Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) can help.

The DDP is designed to empower people with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals and participate fully in their communities.

It offers a variety of services tailored to meet individual needs, including:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services: ABA is a type of therapy focused on improving social, communication, and learning skills using positive reinforcement techniques. It can be helpful for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Medicaid DDP Waiver service: Known as the 0208, this waiver offers long-term support for those who experience significant developmental delays due to their conditions or injuries that occurred before the age of 18.
Targeted Case Management (TCM) service: TCM services are immediately available, without a waiting list, to people aged 16 and older who receive or are eligible for DDP 0208 Waiver. TCM focuses on personalized care planning and regular assessments. It facilitates access to medical, social, and educational resources.

Eligibility for DDP varies depending on the specific service. However, DDP aims to support people of all ages with developmental disabilities.

Montana DDP offers support through community-based providers or self-directed service options at no cost. It is designed to help people with developmental disabilities overcome barriers and thrive in their daily lives.

Ready to take the next step?

At Alpenglow Homecare, we understand the challenges of caring for a loved one and the importance of finding the right resources. We are committed to providing compassionate, personalized support to your family, allowing your loved one to maintain independence and dignity at home.

We can all answer your questions about the care planning process and the available Medicaid programs. You can also learn more about the program on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) website.

Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation and take the first step towards accessing Medicaid-funded in-home care services tailored to your needs. To contact our office in Missoula, MT, please call 406-550-8080 or request an appointment online.