Getting in, answered plainly

How do I get into a supported home?

The real steps, in order — and who guides you through them.

The usual path: (1) get a needs assessment / eligibility determination through your state Medicaid or developmental-disability agency; (2) apply for the HCBS waiver that fits the person’s needs; (3) get on the waitlist if there is one; (4) a care manager matches the person to a licensed home with an opening. Medicaid pays the services; the resident’s SSI usually pays room and board.

Start with an assessment and the waiver

Community supported homes are usually funded by a Medicaid HCBS waiver, and each state decides eligibility through an assessment. Contact your state Medicaid agency or developmental-disability agency to begin, or ask a hospital discharge planner or care manager to start it for you.

Source: Medicaid.gov, Home & Community-Based Services — medicaid.gov.

Expect a waitlist — and plan around it

Many state waivers have waitlists, sometimes long ones. Get on the list as early as possible, keep documentation current, and ask your care manager about interim supports. The waiver-by-state reference names the agency to contact in each of our states.

Get free help navigating it

Your local ADRC / Area Agency on Aging (Eldercare Locator 800-677-1116) offers free options counseling. A Medicaid care manager coordinates the assessment, waiver, and placement.

Hear from us when a home opens near you

We build small, permanent supported homes where the need is greatest. Add your email and we’ll tell you the moment a home opens in your state. Free, no spam, no obligation. Case managers can also refer someone and track it with no login.

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Related

About Mai Heaven: this page is educational, not eligibility advice. We build small, permanent supported homes — also called group homes — for adults who are hard to place. Join the waiting list and we’ll reach out when a home opens near you. Need help now? Call or text 988, or dial 211.