Act 150 & OBRA Waiver Services

Act 150 provides support and services for individuals with physical disabilities, allowing them to remain in their homes and communities. To qualify, you must:

• Be a Pennsylvania resident.

• Meet the care needs of a Skilled Nursing Facility.

• Be between 18 and 59 years old.

• Have the ability to hire, fire, and supervise care workers, manage your finances, and handle legal matters.

• Be able to direct your own care.

• Have a medically determinable physical impairment lasting at least twelve continuous months or resulting in death.

• Go through the Medicaid (MA) eligibility process and be financially ineligible.

A minimal co-payment, based on your income, may apply, but it won't exceed the total service costs. Services offered include Personal Assistance, Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), and Service Coordination.

Lux Home Care Agency is proud to offer the OBRA Waiver program, a Home and Community Based Waiver program designed to empower individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. This program is specifically crafted to help you lead an independent life within your community.

To be eligible for this exceptional program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: You must be a resident of Pennsylvania, ensuring that local support is readily available.

• Age: Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 59. If you turn 60 while receiving services through the OBRA Waiver, you can continue until they are no longer needed. New applicants aged 60 and older will be referred to other suitable programs.

• Physical Disability: You should have a severe developmental physical disability that necessitates the level of care provided in an Intermediate Care Facility/Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC).

• Functional Limitations: Your disability should result in significant functional limitations in three or more major life activities, including self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction, and capacity for independent living.

• Financial Eligibility: Meeting the financial requirements, as determined by your local County Assistance Office, is essential to qualify for this program.

• OBRA Waiver services are tailored to meet your unique needs and may include:

• Adult Daily Living: Assistance with daily activities to enhance independence.

• Employment Skills Development: Support for developing job-related skills.

• Job Coaching: Both intensive and extended follow-along coaching for employment success.

• Personal Assistance Services: Help with personal care and daily tasks.

• Residential Habilitation Services: Support for a home-based, independence. 

• Respite: Temporary relief for caregivers.

• Service Coordination: Assistance with planning and access.

• Structured Day Habilitation Services: Structured activities to enhance daily living skills.

• Behavior Therapy Services: Support for managing behavioral challenges.

• Nursing Services: Medical care and support.

• Occupational Therapy Services: Assistance to improve daily living skills.

• Physical Therapy Services: Support to enhance mobility and physical abilities.

• Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies: Necessary medical aids.

• Speech and Language Therapy Services: Support for communication skills.

• Community Integration: Activities to promote social inclusion.

• Community Transition Services: Assistance in transitioning to community living.

• Counseling Services: Emotional and psychological support.

• Home Adaptations: Modifications to enhance accessibility.

• Job Finding: Support in finding suitable employment.

• Non-Medical Transportation: Transportation services for various needs.

• Nutritional Consultation: Guidance on dietary requirements.

• Personal Emergency Response System: Ensuring safety and immediate assistance.

• Prevocational Services: Preparation for employment.

• Supported Employment: Assistance and support in maintaining employment.

• Vehicle Modifications: Adaptations for personal vehicles to enhance mobility.

Lux Home Care Agency is committed to providing comprehensive support and personalized care to individuals who qualify for the OBRA Waiver program, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives in their communities. OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) waivers are essential programs that provide crucial support for clients and their families when it comes to long-term care services, particularly for those with physical disabilities. Here's a brief but detailed explanation of how OBRA waivers work:

1. Eligibility Assessment: To qualify for OBRA waivers, individuals typically undergo an eligibility assessment to determine if they meet the criteria. Eligibility is often based on factors such as medical necessity and functional need, specifically related to activities of daily living (ADLs).

2. Choice of Service Provider:  Once deemed eligible for an OBRA waiver, clients and their families have the freedom to choose their service providers. This choice allows individuals to select the care agency that best aligns with their needs and preferences.

3. Customized Care Plans: OBRA waiver programs focus on person-centered care. This means that care plans are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the individual. Care coordination teams work closely with clients and their families to create and implement these personalized plans.

4. Services Covered: OBRA waivers cover a wide range of services, including but not limited to personal care, skilled nursing services, therapies, assistive technology, and home modifications to improve accessibility and safety.

5. Home and Community-Based Care: One of the primary objectives of OBRA waivers is to promote home and community-based care, allowing individuals to receive care in the comfort of their homes or within their local communities. This approach enhances the individual's quality of life and independence.

6. Financial Assistance: OBRA waivers provide financial assistance to help cover the cost of care services. This assistance can be a crucial lifeline for families who might otherwise struggle with the financial burden of long-term care.

7. Flexibility and Control: Clients and their families retain a significant degree of control over the care process. They can select their caregivers, set schedules, and actively participate in care decisions, fostering a sense of empowerment and involvement.

8. Regular Assessments: OBRA waivers often involve regular assessments to ensure that the care plan continues to meet the individual's changing needs. Adjustments can be made as required to provide the most effective and appropriate care.

9. Monitoring and Quality Assurance: Government agencies typically oversee OBRA waiver programs to ensure that care providers maintain high standards of service quality and compliance with regulations.

10. Advocacy and Support: Families and clients can often access support and advocacy services through OBRA waiver programs. This assistance can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of long-term care and addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.

In summary, OBRA waivers are a vital resource for clients and families, offering them the means to access person-centered, home-based care services while receiving financial assistance. These programs empower individuals to maintain their independence and receive care tailored to their unique needs, all while fostering a sense of control and choice in their care journey.