Applications for LTSS

Revised date
Purpose statement

This section describes the application processes used by Aging and Long-term Supports Administration (ALTSA) when determining financial eligibility for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS).

How to Apply

WAC 182-503-0005 Washington apple health -- How to apply.

WAC 182-503-0005 Washington apple health -- How to apply.

Effective June 11, 2023

  1. You may apply for Washington apple health at any time.
  2. For apple health programs for children, pregnant people, parents and caretaker relatives, and adults age sixty-four and under without medicare, (including people who have a disability or are blind), you may apply:
    1. Online via the Washington Healthplanfinder at www.wahealthplanfinder.org;
    2. By calling the Washington Healthplanfinder customer support center and completing an application by telephone;
    3. By completing the application for health care coverage (HCA 18-001P), and mailing or faxing to Washington Healthplanfinder; or 
    4. At a department of social and health services (DSHS) community services office (CSO).
  3. ​If you seek apple health coverage and are age sixty-five or older, have a disability, are blind, need assistance with medicare costs, or seek coverage of long-term services and supports, you may apply:
    1. Online via Washington Connection at www.WashingtonConnection.org;
    2. By completing the application for aged, blind, disabled/long term care coverage (HCA 18-005) and mailing or faxing to DSHS;
    3. In person at a local DSHS CSO or home and community services (HCS) office; or
    4. As specified in subsection (2) of this section, if you are a child, pregnant, a parent or caretaker relative, or an adult age sixty-four and under without medicare.
  4. You may receive help filing an application.
    1. For households containing people described in subsection (2) of this section:
      1. Call the Washington Healthplanfinder customer support center number listed on the application for health care coverage form (HCA 18-001P); or 
      2. Contact a navigator, health care authority volunteer assistor, or broker.
    2. For people described in subsection (3) of this section who are not applying with a household containing people described in subsection (2) of this section:
      1. Call or visit a local DSHS CSO or HCS office; or 
      2. Call the DSHS community services customer service contact center number listed on the medicaid application form. 
  5. To apply for tailored supports for older adults (TSOA), see WAC 182-513-1625.
  6. You must apply directly with the service provider for the following programs:
    1. The breast and cervical cancer treatment program under WAC 182-505-0120;
    2. The family planning only programs under chapter 182-532 WAC; and
    3. The kidney disease program under chapter 182-540 WAC.
  7. For the confidential pregnant minor program under WAC 182-505-0117 and for minors living independently, you must complete a separate application directly with us (the medicaid agency). More information on how to give us an application may be found at the agency's web site:  www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care (search for "teen").
  8. As the primary applicant or head of household, you may start an application for apple health by providing your:
    1. Full name;
    2. Date of birth; 
    3. Physical address, and mailing addresses (if different)
    4. Signature.
  9. To complete an application for apple health, you must also give us all of the other information requested on the application.
  10. You may have an authorized representative apply on your behalf as described in WAC 182-503-0130.
  11. We help you with your application or renewal for apple health in a manner that is accessible to you. We provide equal access (EA) services as described in WAC 182-503-0120 if you:
    1. ​Ask for EA services, you apply for or receive long-term services and supports, or we determine that you would benefit from EA services; or
    2. Have limited-English proficiency as described in WAC 182-503-0110

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying Information

What is the best way to apply for LTSS?

Applications for LTSS may be submitted using any of the following methods:

  • Apply online at: www.WashingtonConnection.orgif the client is age 65 or older, blind, disabled (ABD), or on Medicare.
  • Apply online at www.wahealthplanfinder.org.
    • Applications for clients under age 65 or ineligible for Medicare should be submitted through this site and will have a real-time determination of Washington Apple Health medical coverage eligibility under the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodology.
  • Apply by completing the HCA 18-005 Washington Apple Health Application for Aged, Blind, Disabled/Long-Term Care coverage and mail or fax into HCS, or
  • Apply by completing the HCA 18-008 Washington Apple Health for Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA), which is a program that provides supports to caregivers, or
  • Apply in-person at a local Home & Community Services office. To find an HCS office near you, use the DSHS Office Locator, or
  • Call the HCS intake line in the area in which you reside to schedule an assessment. See "How to request an LTSS assessment" below.

Mailing or faxing documents to Home and Community Services (HCS)

Mail to:
Home and Community Services - LTSS
PO Box 45826
Olympia WA 98504-5826; or
FAX to: 1-855-635-8305

Always include the client's full name and the DSHS client id (if known) on any document mailed or faxed to DSHS.

How to request a LTSS assessment:

Call to request an assessment for home and community services (in-home care in a residential facility, nursing facility coverage) through the HCS central intake lines.

Region 1 HCS

If you reside in one of the following counties: Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Colombia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, or Yakima 509-568-3767 or 866-323-9409, FAX 509-568-3772

Region 2 HCS

If you reside in one of the following counties: Island, King (ZIP codes 98011, 98019, 98072, 98077, 98133, 98177) San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, or Whatcom and are interested in:

  • In-home or residential services, call 800-780-7094 or 425-977-6579, FAX 425-339-4859
  • Nursing home services, call 800-780-7094, FAX 206-373-6855

If you reside in King County in a ZIP code not listed above and are interested in:

  • In-home or residential services, call 206-341-7750, FAX 206-373-6855
  • Nursing home services, call 800-780-7094, FAX 206-373-6855

Region 3 HCS

If you reside in one of the following counties: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, or Wahkiakum 800-786-3799, FAX 360-586-0499

What if the applicant for LTSS is already on Washington Apple Health?

  1. A new application isn't required for clients active on ABD SSI-related Apple Health who need LTSS as long as the Public Benefit Specialist (PBS) is able to determine institutional eligibility using information in the current case record. Examples are the SSI or SSI-related programs or Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities (HWD). Use the original eligibility review date to open institutional coverage. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires an annual review at least once a year for categorically needy (CN) Medicaid.
  2. Review excess home equity, annuity and transfer of resource provisions that are specific to institutional and home and community-based (HCB) waivers.
  3. SSI recipients who need institutional services, or HCB waiver, must complete and sign an application, or the DSHS 14-416 Eligibility Review for Long Term Services and Supports and complete an interview. Don't hold up eligibility for long-term care awaiting a signed review. If an application, eligibility review, or LTSS review is in the electronic case record within the past year, a new review form isn't needed.
  4. Ensure an Asset Verification System (AVS) Authorization is on file, and if not, follow these procedures.

LTSS applications for clients on MAGI-based Washington Apple Health

Clients active on MAGI except AEM N21 and N25), don't need to submit an additional application if they are functionally eligible for, and in need of the following:

  • Nursing Facility (NF) services,
  • Community First Choice (CFC),
  • Medicaid Personal Care (MPC), or
  • Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC)

If a client needs waiver services they must submit an application and may need a disability determination.

Worker Responsibilities

The PBS will:

  • Complete a Financial Communication to Social Services (07-104) referral when an application is received on an active MAGI case
  • Add text stating that unless an assessment is completed and determines HCB Waiver is needed, the client will remain on MAGI
  • Send a general correspondence letter to the client indicating the application was received and because the client is currently receiving Medicaid services, additional information isn't needed for financial eligibility.

NOTE: If an 18-005 is received on an active MAGI case and the client is in a NF or Hospice care center, no action is needed by the PBS. MAGI covers NF and Hospice under the scope of care. Exception is N21/N25 AEM MAGI.

WAC 182-503-0010 Washington apple health -- Who may apply.

WAC 182-503-0010 Washington apple health -- Who may apply.

Effective January 16, 2020.

  1. You may apply for Washington apple health for yourself.
  2. You may apply for apple health for another person if you are:
    1. A legal guardian;
    2. An authorized representative (as described in WAC 182-503-0130);
    3. A parent or caretaker relative of a child age eighteen or younger;
    4. A tax filer applying for a tax dependent;
    5. A spouse; or
    6. A person applying for someone who is unable to apply on their own due to a medical condition and who is in need of long-term care services.
  3. If you reside in an institution of mental diseases (as defined in WAC 182-500-0050(1)) or a public institution (as defined in WAC 182-500-0050(4)), including a Washington state department of corrections facility, city, tribal, or county jail, or secure community transition facility or total confinement facility (as defined in RCW 71.09.020), you, your representative, or the facility may apply for you to get the apple health coverage for which you are determined eligible.
  4. You are automatically enrolled in apple health and do not need to submit an application if you are a:
    1. Supplemental security income (SSI) recipient;
    2. Person deemed to be an SSI recipient under 1619(b) of the SSA;
    3. Newborn as described in WAC 182-505-0210; or
    4. Child in foster care placement as described in WAC 182-505-0211.
  5. You are the primary applicant on an application if you complete and sign the application on behalf of your household.
  6. If you are an SSI recipient, then you, your authorized representative as defined in WAC 182-500-0010, or another person applying on your behalf as described in subsection (2) of this section, must turn in a signed application to apply for long-term care services as described in WAC 182-513-1315

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-503-0040 Washington apple health -- Interview requirements

WAC 182-503-0040 Washington apple health -- Interview requirements.

Effective July 25, 2013

  1. An individual applying for Washington apple health (WAH) (as defined in WAC 182-500-0120) is not required to have an in-person interview to determine eligibility.
  2. The agency or its designee may contact an individual by phone or in writing to gather any additional information that is needed to make an eligibility determination.
  3. A phone or in-person interview is required to determine initial financial eligibility for WAH long-term care services.
  4. The interview requirement described in subsection (3) of this section may be waived if the applicant is unable to comply:
    1. Due to his or her medical condition; or
    2. Because the applicant does not have a family member or another individual that is able to conduct the interview on his or her behalf.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying Information

An interview with the applicant or authorized representative is required to determine eligibility for institutional, HCB waiver services, or TSOA services. The PBS may waive the interview requirement. If the client is unable to complete the interview due to a medical condition or because no one is available to assist the client.

Asset verification, if not already authorized on the application by the client and financially responsible people (if applicable), may be authorized during the interview process.

Use Equal Access - Necessary Supplemental Accommodation (NSA) and long-term services and supports policies for LTSS applicants and recipients.

Worker Responsibilities

The interview can be conducted in person or by phone. Call the client or their representative to complete an interview. If they can't be reached, or are unavailable, send an appointment letter (DSHS 0011-01) and a request for verification letter for what is needed to determine eligibility, based only on what was declared on the application.

The PBS must:

  1. Go over the application, particularly what was declared in the income and resource sections. Ask about other resources not declared on the application. General open-ended questions about resources and income should also be asked. Family members and other representatives are often just learning about the client's income and resources when they apply. Open-ended questions often reveal that additional sources of income and assets may exist.
  2. Document in ACES remarks, in detail, all eligibility factors discussed during the interview and included on the application.
  3. If not already authorized, request authorization for AVS for the client and any applicable financially responsible people. Ensure AVS procedures are followed.
  4. Ask about any transfers, gifts, or property sales during the 5-year look back and the circumstances of why they were made. Request verification of transfers, gifts or property sales, if applicable.
  5. Ask about other medical coverage. If there is other medical coverage and you can obtain the information during the interview, complete a 14-194 medical coverage form in Barcode.
  6. Ask if there are unpaid medical expenses and request verification if medical expenses exist. Ask if any of these bills were incurred within the last 3 months.
  7. Explain the financial and social service functional eligibility process. Explain to the applicant that there is a Public Benefits Specialist (PBS) and a social service manager making determinations concurrently for LTSS eligibility.
  8. For in-home service applicants, discuss the food assistance program and inquire if the household would like to apply for food benefits.
  9. Explain the medical service card, automatic Medicare D enrollment if not on a creditable coverage or Medicare D Prescription Drug Plan.
  10. Explain the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). If the applicant is eligible for an MSP based on income and resource guidelines and all information is received to determine eligibility for MSP, don't hold up processing this program while the LTSS medical is pending.
  11. Explain participation and room and board, how the amount is determined, and that it must be paid to the provider.
  12. Explain Estate Recovery and mail the Estate Recovery fact sheet.
  13. Explain what changes of circumstances need to be reported
  14. In the case of the community spouse, explain how all resources in excess of the $2,000 resource limit must be transferred to the spouse within 1 year and the requirement to provide verification of this by the first annual review.
  15. Summarize what verification is needed to complete the application and send a request for information letter. Encourage the applicant to gather documents as soon as possible to expedite the process. Explain how to request an extension if more time is needed.
  16. Summarize the interview and items still needed to determine eligibility in the ACES narrative.

Documentation:

  • Type of client interaction (phone, in-person, etc.)
  • Statements made by the client and/or their representative.
  • Case actions and why the actions were taken, and
  • Eligibility decisions made, or next steps.
  • When working on a case that has ACES Equal Access (EA) requirements:
    • Document how the plan was followed,
    • If changing ACES EA requirements, clearly document the reason.

Use Remarks to document information specific to the ACES page:

  • Details of how eligibility factor(s) were verified,
    • When using Collateral Contact (CC) or Other (OT) valid value, document the details of how it was verified,
    • When information is verified using an electronic source (such as BENDEX, AVS, etc.),
  • Include Remarks to reconcile any discrepancies, or important information not otherwise captured, including required questions left blank on the application or eligibility review form.

Documentation provides:

  • An ongoing permanent history of actions and decisions made;
  • A support of eligibility, ineligibility and benefit determination;
  • Credibility for decisions when used as evidence in legal matters;
  • A trail for reviewers to determine the accuracy of the benefits issued.

Follow these principles when documenting:

  • Clear - Use readily understood language.
    • Acronyms utilized should be DSHS/HCA approved
  • Concise - Documentation is subject to public review. Stick to the facts relevant to determining eligibility or benefit level.
  • Complete - The documentation must support the eligibility decision and allow a reviewer to determine what was done and why.
  • Consistent - Explain how conflicts or inconsistencies of information were addressed. Demonstrate the reasonableness of decisions. Ensure what you document accurately describes what happened with the case.

WAC 182-503-0060 Washington apple health (WAH)-- Application processing times.

WAC 182-503-0060 Washington apple health -- Application processing times.

Effective August 8, 2021

  1. We process applications for Washington apple health medicaid within forty-five calendar days, with the following exceptions:
    1. If you are pregnant, we process your application within fifteen calendar days;
    2. If you are applying for a program that requires a disability decision, we process your application within sixty calendar days; or
    3. The modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)-based apple health application process using Washington Healthplanfinder may provide faster or real-time determination of eligibility for medicaid.
  2. For calculating time limits, "day one" is the day we get an application from you that includes at least the information described in WAC 182-503-0005(8). If you give us your paper application during business hours, "day one" is the day you give us your application. If you give us your paper application outside of business hours, "day one" is the next business day. If you experience technical difficulties while attempting to give us your application in Washington Healthplanfinder, "day one" is the day we are able to determine, based on the evidence available, that you first tried to submit an application that included at least the information described in WAC 182-503-0005(8).
  3. We determine eligibility as quickly as possible and respond promptly to applications and information received. We do not delay a decision by using the time limits in this section as a waiting period.
  4. If we need more information to decide if you can get apple health coverage, we will send you a letter within twenty calendar days of your initial application that:
    1. Follows the rules in chapter 182-518 WAC;
    2. States the additional information we need; and
    3. Allows at least ten calendar days to provide it. We will allow you more time if you ask for more time or need an accommodation due to disability or limited-English proficiency.
  5. Good cause for a delay in processing the application exists when we acted as promptly as possible but:
    1. The delay was the result of an emergency beyond our control;
    2. The delay was the result of needing more information or documents that could not be readily obtained;
    3. You did not give us the information within the time frame specified in subsection (1) of this section.
  6. Good cause for a delay in processing the application does NOT exist when:
    1. We caused the delay in processing by:
      1. Failing to ask you for information timely; or
      2. Failing to act promptly on requested information when you provided it timely; or
    2. We did not document the good cause reason before missing a time frame specified in subsection (1) of this section. 

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Worker Responsibilities

Document standard of promptness for all medical applications pending more than 45 days:

  • Day one is the date the application was received.
  • Update a good cause code when changing a program from an SSI-related assistance unit (AU) to an LTSS AU to prevent the case from being incorrectly reported as a new application.
  • A good cause code must be used when finalizing any medical (AU) historically beyond 45 days.
  • Cases without a delay reason code or updated with "No Good Cause (NG)" to the DSHS secretary.

 

WAC 182-503-0070 Washington apple health (WAH)-- When coverage begins.

WAC 182-503-0070 Washington apple health (WAH)-- When coverage begins.

Effective August 29, 2014.

  1. Your Washington apple health (WAH) coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied for and we decided you are eligible to receive coverage, unless one of the exceptions in subsection (4) of this section applies to you.
  2. Sometimes we can start your coverage up to three months before the month you applied (see WAC 182-504-0005).
  3. If you are confined or incarcerated as described in WAC 182-503-0010, your coverage cannot start before the day you are discharged, except when:
    1. You are hospitalized during your confinement; and
    2. The hospital requires you to stay overnight.
  4. Your WAH coverage may not begin on the first day of the month if:
    1. Subsection (3) of this section applies to you. In that case, your coverage would start on the first day of your hospital stay;
    2. You must meet a medically needy spenddown liability (see WAC 182-519-0110). In that case, your coverage would start on the day your spenddown is met; or
    3. You are eligible under the WAH alien emergency medical program (see WAC 182-507-0115). In that case, your coverage would start on the day your emergent hospital stay begins.
  5. For long-term care, the date your services start is described in WAC 388-106-0045.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying Information

There are two start dates for LTSS, the medicaid eligibility date and the LTSS start date:

  1. Medicaid eligibility begins, the first day of the month the client is eligible for LTSS.
  2. The LTSS authorization date, which is described in WAC 388-106-0045, WAC 388-106-0360 and RCW 74.42.056.
    1. If there is a transfer penalty as described in WAC 182-513-1363, the LTSS start date begins the day after the transfer penalty ends.
  3. The LTSS start date is the date the client is both financially and functionally eligible. The authorization can't be backdated for HCB waiver, CFC, or MPC unless social services has fast-tracked services and the client is subsequently found financially eligible. Social services indicates the start date for HCB waiver on the DSHS 14-443 (communication from social services to HCS PBS), or the DSHS 15-345 (communication from DDA case manager to the DDA PBS).
  4. For Hospice as a medicaid program, the hospice authorization date is based on the receipt of the 13-746 (HCA/medicaid Hospice notification). The hospice provider is required to submit this form within 5 business days of a hospice election on all active and pending Medicaid cases. If the 13-746 is not received timely, count back 5 business days from the date of receipt to determine the authorization date. 
  5. The LTSS authorization date can be backdated for nursing facility services up to 3 months prior to the date of application for a new applicant of Medicaid as long as the client is nursing facility level of care (NFLOC) and financially eligible.
  6. The LTSS start date for nursing facility services on an active medicaid recipient is based on the first date the admission is reported to DSHS as long as the client meets all other eligibility factors. If the nursing facility admission is on a weekend or holiday, the authorization date is the date of admission as long as DSHS is notified by the next business day.

WAC 182-503-0080 Washington apple health -- Application denials and withdrawals.

WAC 182-503-0080 Washington apple health -- Application denials and withdrawals.

Effective November 3, 2019. 

  1. We follow the rules about notices and letters in chapter 182-518 WAC. We follow the rules about timelines in WAC 182-503-0060.
  2. We deny your application for apple health coverage when:
    1. You tell us either orally or in writing to withdraw your request for coverage; or
    2. Based on all information we have received from you and other sources within the time frames stated in WAC 182-503-0060, including any extra time given at your request or to accommodate a disability or limited-English proficiency:
      1. We are unable to determine that you are eligible; or
      2. We determine that you are not eligible.
    3. You are subject to asset verification and do not provide authorization as described in WAC 182-503-0055.
  3. We send you a written notice explaining why we denied your application (per chapter 182-518 WAC).
  4. We reconsider our decision to deny your apple health coverage without a new application from you when:
    1. We receive the information that we need to decide if you are eligible within thirty days of the date on the denial notice;
    2. You give us authorization to verify your assets as described in WAC 182-503-0055 within thirty days of the date on the denial notice;
    3. You request a hearing within ninety days of the date on the denial letter and an administrative law judge (ALJ) or HCA review judge decides our denial was wrong (per chapter 182-526 WAC).
  5. If you disagree with our decision, you can ask for a hearing. If we denied your application because we do not have enough information, the ALJ will consider the information we already have and any more information you give us. The ALJ does not consider the previous absence of information or failure to respond in determining if you are eligible. 

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

If an applicant has withdrawn their request for medical benefits and then decides they want to pursue the application, we will redetermine eligibility for benefits without a new application as long as the client has notified the department within 30 days of the withdrawal. The PBS should  review the original application to ensure there are no changes and proceed to determine eligibility.

Forms used in the application process

The application process begins and the application date is established when the request for benefits is received. These are the forms used in the application process for LTSS.

HCA forms, including translations are found on the HCA forms website.

DSHS forms, including translations are found on the DSHS forms website.

HCA 18-003 Rights and responsibilities (translations can be found at Health Care Authority (HCA) forms under 14-113)

HCA 18-005 Washington Apple Health application for aged, blind, disabled/long-term care coverage

HCA 18-008 Washington Apple Health application for tailored supports for older adults (TSOA)

DSHS 14-001 Application for cash or food assistance. This is used for any cash, food or medical care services (MCS) request as MCS is tied to ABD cash/HEN eligibility

HCA 14-194 Medical coverage information (used to report third party insurance coverage including LTC insurance)

DSHS 14-539 Revocable burial fund provision for SSI-related health care

DSHS 14-540 Irrevocable burial fund provision for SSI-related health care

DSHS 14-454 Estate recovery fact sheet. Repaying the state for medical and long-term services and supports 

DSHS 14-501 Community resource declaration (used to evaluate resources (assets) for an applicant and their spouse based on date of institutionalization. WAC 182-513-1350)

DSHS 14-532 Authorized representative release of information.

DSHS 10-438 Long-term care partnership (LTCP) asset designation form (used to designate assets (resources) for those with a long-term care partnership insurance policy)

DSHS 14-012 Consent (release of information form) (used for all DSHS programs)

DSHS 27-189 Asset Verification Authorization

Note: The HCA 80-020 Authorization for Release of Information is for medical benefits under Health Care Authority and will be accepted as a release of information for all medical programs including LTSS programs. The DSHS consent form is preferred as it is used for all programs including medical, food and cash.

The long-term service and support application process - who makes the eligibility determinations

PBS determines financial eligibility by comparing the client's income, resources and circumstances to program criteria. The PBS also determines maximum client responsibility.

Social service staff and case managers determine functional eligibility and what services to authorize based on a complete and comprehensive CARE assessment. 

For HCS clients, both functional and financial eligibility are determined concurrently. Functional eligibility for DDA is determined prior to the submission of a financial application. LTSS can begin once a client is found financially and functionally eligible and an approved provider is in place.

What is the process for nursing facility care?

For ABD, SSI-related Washington Apple Health programs:

  1. Department-designated social service staff:
    1. Assess the client's functional eligibility for institutional care.
    2. Screen all clients to determine potential for HCB services.
    3. Determine if the client is likely to attain institutional status and be likely to reside at the nursing facility for 30 days or longer WAC 182-513-1320), or notifies the facility when the client doesn't appear to meet the need for nursing facility care.
    4. Determine if a housing maintenance allowance (HMA) is appropriate (current rule states HMA is the amount of the Federal Poverty Level). 
    5. Provide PBS staff with the following information:
      1. Date of NF admission,
      2. Whether the client meets nursing facility level of care (NFLOC),
      3. For medicaid recipients, the first date DSHS was notified of the admission by the nursing facility,
      4. If the client is likely to attain institutional status, 
      5. Whether there is a housing maintenance allowance and the start date, if appropriate.
  2. Public benefit specialist (PBS) staff:
    1. Refer the client to social services for a care assessment if the client contacts the PBS first and document the date the client first requested NF care.
    2. Determine the client's financial eligibility for LTSS and noninstitutional medical assistance including 3 months retroactive medical coverage if financially eligible.
    3. Authorize payment for NF care if the client is both functionally and financially eligible.
      1. For medicaid applicants, institutional services are approved based on the date the client is eligible up to 3 months prior to the date of application.
      2. For medicaid recipients, institutional services are approved based on the first date the admission is known to DSHS as long as the client meets all other eligibility factors. If the NF admission is on a weekend or holiday, the NF has until the first business day to report the admission.
  3. Issue the NF award letter to the applicant/recipient and the nursing facility.

What is the process for in-home or residential waiver services?

This process applies to SSI-related programs only MAGI-based clients are not eligible for HCB waiver.

  1. Department-designated social service staff:
    1. Assess the client's functional eligibility for in home or residential care.
    2. Provide the PBS staff with the following information:
      1. Service start date
      2. Type of service 
      3. Residential facility name and address, including room number, if applicable.
  2. Public Benefits Specialists:
    1. Refer the client to social service intake for a CARE assessment if the client contacts the PBS first and document the date the client first requested in-home or residential care.
    2. Give a projected client responsibility amount to the case worker using the LTSS referral 07-104. Clearly indicate this is a projection and the financial application is in process.
    3. Determine the client's financial eligibility for LTSS medicaid and/or noninstitutional medical assistance including a request for retro medical if needed.
    4. Authorize in ACES for in-home or residential HCB waiver if the client is both functionally and financially eligible.
    5. Issue the award letter to the applicant/recipient.

Note: Services can't be backdated prior to the date of the authorization until the date that financial eligibility is established.

Clients switching from private pay to medicaid are advised to apply for benefits 30 to 45 days before being resource eligible for the program. There is good information on the Washington LawHelp site that explains the timing of an LTSS application.

What are the best practice guidelines for fast track?

Fast Track is a social service process that allows the authorization of LTSS prior to a financial eligibility determination. The HCS case manager coordinates and consults with the PBS to see if Fast Track is appropriate.

The PBS should make a Fast Track recommendation based on the information, verifications and cross-matches available, and send this determination via 07-104 to social services.

Questions to consider when making a Fast Track recommendation:

  1. What resources is the client reporting on the application or past applications?
  2. Are transfers indicated?
  3. Did you receive verification of resources with the application?
  4. Have you received Accurint and/or AVS results and reviewed the assets reported?
  5. Is the client single or married, and which resource standard is being used to make a recommendation?

Social services can’t begin Fast Track until a CARE assessment is completed. The determination of Fast Track is ultimately up to social services. 

Clients receiving services during the Fast Track period won't receive a medical services card until financial eligibility is established. Services may be authorized using Fast Track for a maximum of 90 days.

Don’t open a case in ACES until you have everything needed to establish financial eligibility.

If the client isn't financially eligible, notify social services.  Social services will state fund Fast Track services when the client isn't financially eligible during the fast track period.  An overpayment isn't established.