Many people in Gainesville hope to remain in their homes as they age. Medicaid may cover certain home-based services through specific waiver or state programs, as eligibility and services vary.
If you meet medical and financial requirements, Medicaid can help pay for care at home. This care can include help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, shopping, household chores, cooking. These services help you live at home rather than in a nursing facility.
To help you identify the best options for your needs, here is an overview of the primary waiver programs available in the state.
Programs available in Georgia
Two primary waiver programs help eligible residents receive care at home:
- Community Care Services Program (CCSP): CCSP provides services such as personal care assistance, skilled nursing and emergency response systems if you would otherwise require nursing facility care.
- Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE): SOURCE offers many of the same services as CCSP. The program serves older adults and chronically ill individuals who need additional medical management and care coordination.
Understanding these programs can help you determine which services may best meet your needs.
While these options are valuable, understanding the specific eligibility criteria is essential to see if they are the right fit for your circumstances.
Who may qualify?
To qualify for these programs, you must meet both functional and financial requirements:
- Functional requirements: You must be a Georgia resident who requires a nursing home level of care and needs assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or meal preparation.
- Financial requirements: In 2026, the individual income limit for certain HCBS waivers (like the CCSP waiver) is $2,982 per month, while the asset limit remains $2,000.
Meeting these requirements is necessary before you can receive waiver benefits.
Once you have confirmed that you meet these eligibility standards, the next step is understanding how to begin the application process.
How to get started
The Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging handles applications and assessments in Hall County. The process usually begins with a functional screening to determine whether you meet the required level of care and meet the financial requirements. If you are over the income or asset limit, call us there is still hope. Before calling Legacy Link call us for a FREE intake as we can work with you to meet these eligibility requirements to immediately qualify for the service.
Why early planning matters
Many families wait until a health emergency occurs before exploring long-term care options. Learn about Medicaid waiver programs before you need care. This helps you understand available resources and prepare for future changes. These programs support eligible individuals, allowing them to stay in their own homes.