The Texas Community Care for Aged and Disabled (CCAD) program stands as a vital support system for elderly and disabled individuals in Texas. Designed to prevent unnecessary nursing home placements, CCAD enables eligible individuals to receive essential services and support while living in the comfort of their own homes, within their communities, or in the homes of dedicated caregivers. This program is also known as Community Care Services Eligibility (CCSE). If you or a loved one are seeking options to maintain independence and avoid institutional care in Texas, understanding the Texas Community Care For Aged Disabled Ccad Program is crucial.
Understanding the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program
The core mission of the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program is to empower low-income seniors and disabled individuals to continue living in their preferred settings – be it their own home, a family member’s residence, or an assisted living facility. By providing a range of supportive services, CCAD aims to reduce reliance on costly Medicaid-funded nursing home care. The program achieves this by offering diverse services tailored to individual needs, including personal care assistance at home or in residential care settings, and technologies like Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) to minimize the need for constant supervision.
Eligibility for the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program
To qualify for the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program, applicants must meet specific criteria that encompass residency, age, functional needs, and financial status.
General Eligibility Requirements
Regardless of the specific living situation (at home, caregiver’s home, adult foster care, or assisted living), certain eligibility requirements are consistent across all services and programs under CCAD:
- Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of Texas. There is no minimum length of residency required.
- Age: Individuals must be 18 years of age or older.
- Disability or Functional Impairment: Applicants must have a disability or functional impairment that necessitates assistance with daily living activities.
- Non-Duplication of Medicaid Services: Individuals cannot simultaneously receive Medicaid assistance for the same services covered by CCAD.
Financial Eligibility Requirements
Financial eligibility for the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program is determined by both income and asset limits.
Income Limits:
The monthly income limit is capped at three times the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment. As of 2024, these limits are:
- Single Applicant: $2,829 per month
- Married Applicants (both applying): $5,658 per month
Asset Limits:
The value of countable assets and resources is also restricted. As of 2024:
- Single Individual: Assets cannot exceed $5,000.
- Married Applicants: Combined assets cannot exceed $6,000.
It’s important to note that the asset limit for Community Attendant Services (CAS), while part of the CCAD service suite, has a different, lower asset limit ($2,000 for single individuals and $3,000 for married couples). Furthermore, certain assets are exempt from consideration, such as the applicant’s primary residence and a single vehicle.
Navigating Income and Asset Limits
For Texas residents whose income or assets exceed these limits but still struggle to afford necessary care, qualification for the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program may still be possible. Consulting with a Medicaid planning professional can provide valuable guidance. These experts are skilled in strategies to reallocate income and assets in ways that comply with program requirements. Tools like Miller Trusts (also known as Qualified Income Trusts) for excess income and Irrevocable Funeral Trusts to reduce countable assets can be utilized.
Important Note: Medicaid enforces a 60-month look-back period. Any asset transfers made within this period are carefully reviewed to prevent gifting assets to meet financial eligibility. Such actions can lead to penalties and periods of Medicaid ineligibility.
Benefits and Services Under the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program
The Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program offers a comprehensive range of services, in addition to essential case management, designed to support individuals in various living situations:
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Adult Foster Care: Provides 24-hour personal care assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as eating, grooming, and mobility. This service is delivered by a resident caregiver in a shared living space, accommodating no more than three individuals. Assistance with transportation, meal preparation, and housekeeping may also be included. Note that while care services are covered, room and board costs are not.
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Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services: Offers personal care services focused on community integration, supporting participation in employment, education, and training. Recipients have the autonomy to select and manage their care providers through Consumer Directed Services (CDS), which can include relatives (excluding spouses). A Financial Management Services Agency manages payroll and tax responsibilities.
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Community Attendant Services (CAS): Delivers in-home personal care for individuals with medical needs. Assistance includes bathing, grooming, toileting, laundry, and light cleaning. CAS also allows for self-direction in choosing caregivers. While a service within CCAD, CAS has its dedicated program page due to its Medicaid funding and specific regulations.
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Day Activity and Health Services: Provides adult day care services for up to 10 hours per weekday. Services may encompass meals, transportation, rehabilitative therapies, personal and nursing care, and recreational activities.
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Emergency Response Services (PERS): Offers 24-hour electronic monitoring for individuals with functional impairments who live in socially isolated settings, ensuring rapid assistance in emergencies.
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Family Care: Provides assistance with both Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) for individuals living at home. This can include escort services, personal care, shopping, and meal preparation, with up to 50 hours of care per week available.
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Home-Delivered Meals: Ensures access to nutritious meals delivered directly to the individual’s home, supporting dietary needs and independence.
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Residential Care: Offers assistance with ADLs and IADLs for individuals residing in assisted living facilities. The program covers 24/7 care services but excludes room and board expenses.
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Special Services to Persons with Disabilities: Provides counseling, skills training, and personal assistance to promote independent living. Currently, this service is limited to Dallas, Tyler, Houston, and Austin.
Applying for the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program
To initiate the application process for the Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program, reach out to your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). You can also contact the ADRC via phone at 855-937-2372.
For in-depth information about the program, the Case Worker Community Care for Aged and Disabled Handbook is available online. While intended for case managers, it offers comprehensive details, though it may be complex for some readers. For further inquiries, you can contact Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) directly at 512-424-6500.
The Texas Community Care for Aged Disabled CCAD Program is a cornerstone of support for vulnerable Texans, offering pathways to maintain dignity, independence, and community connection while receiving necessary care. By understanding the program’s eligibility, benefits, and application process, individuals and families can effectively access these valuable resources.
