489.3 Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) HCBS Waiver Programs

489.31 General

The Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) administers the

Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program as well as the five (5) other HCBS Programs contained in this section

   http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/fordisabilityservices/alternativestonursinghomes/lifelivingindependencefortheelderly/

   OLTL uses an agency called the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) to determine an individual’s medical eligibility and to provide enrollment services for its HCBS Waiver programs.  The IEB works with consumers, service providers, and CAOs to ensure that consumers are enrolled in the HCBS program that best serves their needs

The IEB will inform the CAO of a consumer’s medical eligibility by sending a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Eligibility/Ineligibility Change Form PA 1768 form with all necessary information completed.  Upon receipt of the PA 1768 and a PA 600 form (a PA 600WP form in Community Choice counties), along with required documentation, the CAO will determine financial eligibility.

IEB Contact Information:

Toll free helpline: 877-550-4227
Toll free TTY line: 877-824-9346
Fax number: 717-540-6201


PA Independent Enrollment Broker
6385 Flank Drive, Suite 400
Harrisburg, PA 17112-4603

489.32   List of OLTL HCBS Programs

0192 AIDS Waiver

This HCBS Waiver program provides services to individuals age 21 and over with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with symptoms.

Attendant Care Waiver

Provides services to individuals ages 18 through 59 who have been diagnosed with a physical disability and who are mentally alert.

COMMCARE Waiver

Provides services to individuals age 21 and over who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.

Independence Waiver

Provides services to individuals ages 18 through 59 who have been diagnosed with a physical disability.

OBRA Waiver

Provides services for individuals ages 1 through 59 who have been diagnosed with severe developmental disabilities.

LIFE Program (Living Independence for the Elderly)

LIFE is not an actual waiver program, but it is similar to one because it allows individuals to receive MA/LTC services in a community setting.  If and when a LIFE consumer can no longer live safely in the community, the individual can move to a LTC facility and receive services there.  LIFE is available for qualified individuals age 55 and over.  LIFE is not yet available in all counties. Income spend-down procedures specific to the LIFE program are addressed in LTC Handbook Section 468.231.

Updated January 14, 2015   Replacing  March 19 2012