For many seniors and individuals with disabilities, the goal is clear: return home or live in a community setting rather than remain in a nursing facility. Utah’s Utah New Choices Waiver (NCW) was created to help make that transition possible.
This Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program helps eligible individuals move out of nursing facilities and safely return to a home or community environment with the support they need.
Understanding what services the New Choices Waiver provides—and who qualifies—can make a significant difference for seniors and families planning long-term care.
The New Choices Waiver is a Utah Medicaid program designed to help individuals transition from a nursing facility back into the community.
To qualify, individuals must typically:
Be able to live safely in a home or community setting with appropriate support services
The goal of the waiver is to remove the barriers that often prevent someone from leaving institutional care. By funding key services and supports, the program helps individuals establish or re-establish life in the community.
Services under the New Choices Waiver are personalized and based on an individual care plan. These services are designed to support a safe transition from a nursing facility and promote long-term stability in the community.
One of the primary functions of the New Choices Waiver is to help individuals successfully move out of a nursing facility and into a home or community setting.
Transition services may include:
These services help remove practical and financial barriers that can prevent someone from leaving institutional care.
Case management is a core component of the New Choices Waiver.
Case managers help coordinate services and ensure individuals receive the support they need to live safely in the community.
Case management services may include:
This coordination helps ensure services remain effective and responsive.
Many individuals leaving nursing facilities need assistance with daily tasks.
Personal care services may include help with:
These supports help individuals maintain independence while ensuring safety in their home environment.
The waiver may cover assistive devices and equipment that help individuals function more independently at home.
Examples may include:
These tools help reduce fall risk and increase independence.
Some individuals require physical changes to their home in order to live safely outside a nursing facility.
The waiver may assist with modifications such as:
These modifications allow individuals to safely access and navigate their living environment.
Although the New Choices Waiver primarily funds transition and supportive services, participants may also receive medical care through Utah Medicaid.
This may include:
These services are typically covered through Medicaid’s standard benefits and coordinated alongside waiver services.
For many individuals, the New Choices Waiver provides the opportunity to leave institutional care and return to a more independent lifestyle.
The program helps participants:
For families, the waiver can also reduce stress by providing structured support and professional coordination of care.
Many families are unfamiliar with how the waiver works. Some common misunderstandings include:
Understanding these factors early can help families avoid delays.
Navigating Medicaid programs like the New Choices Waiver can be complicated, especially when families are already managing health concerns and care decisions.
Utah Senior Planning helps seniors and families:
Rather than navigating complex systems alone, families gain guidance and clarity while making important long-term care decisions.
💡 The New Choices Waiver can create opportunities for individuals to return home and regain independence—but understanding the program and planning ahead is essential.
