Program and Service Descriptions
Aging Network
The Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA) administers some in-home programs and services through state and federal funds and/or grants. These funds are generally allocated to various entities providing services to seniors in Kansas.
A key provider of services is the area agencies on aging across the state. The area agencies provide or subcontract to provide services in a planning and service area and utilize a variety of funding sources, including but not limited to state and federal funding from KDOA. There are eleven area agencies on aging in Kansas, of which eight are non-profit organizations and three are county government agencies.
There may also be county or local departments on aging in some areas of the state. Other service agencies may offer services for a larger population set, including seniors. This group of agencies serving seniors is commonly referred to as the aging network.
Client Assessment, Referral and Evaluation Program (CARE)
The Client Assessment, Referral and Evaluation Program is a federally mandated assessment program. People seeking nursing home care must be assessed by the CARE program before they are admitted to a nursing home.
KDOA has complied a list of frequently asked questions about CARE and Nursing Facilities.
For additional information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
CARE brochure
CARE brochure (en español)
Commodities Program
USDA Food Commodities are distributed through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This food is for home consumption for the needy under 130% of the Federal poverty level (the same as Food Stamps), TEFAP has been increased with welfare reform to serve as a safety net.
- Eligibility Guidelines - SRS website - Commodities Section
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local SRS office or call 785-296-3959.
Elder Rights Protection Activities
Elder Rights activities may include the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation, and the Legal Assistance Development Program, which includes but is not limited to issues of older individuals related to protective arrangements, income preservation, public benefits, health, housing/real estate, consumer protection, or individual rights.
Elder Right's publications:
Division of Assets: Questions & Answers on Spousal Impoverishment. You can find answers to questions about the Spousal Impoverishment Law, applying for Medicaid assistance using this law, asset transfer and much, much more.
The Resource Guide for Seniors provides useful information on benefits, rights and services.
KDOA also has complied a list of frequently asked questions about Kansas Elder Law.
Family Caregiver Support Program
The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) is a multifaceted service delivery system that responds to the needs of caregivers. Under the FCSP the following services maybe provided: Assistance, Information, Individual Counseling, Support Groups, Caregiver Training, Respite Care, and Supplemental Services (such as Attendant/Personal Care, Bathroom Items, Chore, Flex Service, Homemaker, Repair/Maintenance/Renovation, and Transportation). These services may also be available for Grandparent/Relative Caregivers.
The Kansas Caregiver Guide is online for your convenience.
Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local Area Agencies on Aging.
Eligibility Guidelines -
- An adult family member or another individual who is: an informal provider of in-home and/or community care to an older individual (age 60 or older); or to an individual with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder with neurological and organic brain dysfunction.
- For Grandparent/Relative Service. Must be a grandparent or relative by blood, marriage, or adoption who is age 55 or older caring for a child younger than age 19, lives with the child, acts as the primary caregiver of the child because the biological or adoptive parents are unable or unwilling to serve as the primary caregiver of the child, and is raising the child either formally through legal custody, guardianship, or informally.
- A grandparent or relative by blood or marriage who is age 55 or older providing care for an adult age, 19 to 59, that has a disability. The caregiver cannot be the parent of the adult with a disability.
Food Assistance
Issues benefits for the purchase of food. All participants are issued a plastic Vision card which is used at stores. From $10 to $127 for an eligible single person, or from $10 to $234 for an eligible couple may be available. No sales tax is charged for purchases made with Food Stamp benefits.
- Eligibility Guidelines - Eligibility is based on income. Deductions from gross income are used to determine a household's NET income. For the most current guidelines visit the SRS web site - Food Assistance section
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local SRS Office or call 785-296-3959.
Home & Community Based Services for the Frail Elderly
The Home & Community Based Services program provides an option for Kansas seniors who receive Medicaid and qualify functionally to receive community based services as an alternative to nursing facility care. Services include personal care, household tasks, and health services. The program promotes independence within the community and helps to offer residency in the most integrated environment.
- Eligibility Guidelines - Individuals must be 65 years old, meet Medicaid income eligibility guidelines and meet the Medicaid long-term care threshold.
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Available Case Management Entities for the HCBS/FE Waiver or SRS office
Frequetly Asked Questions regarding HCBS/FE
Available Case Management Entities for the HCBS/FE waiver
Information and Assistance/Referral (I&A/R)
Where can I get help?
Finding the right agency and the right phone number when you need help can be difficult. Aging Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) provides seniors with a skilled professional who will help link them to the information or service they need. I&R/A Specialists will ask questions in order to find out what community or public assistance is appropriate and available, what eligibility criteria must be met and help connect you with the right agencies or organizations. While each Area Agency on Aging has an I&R/A program, the way the service is provided varies. Refer to the Area Agency on Aging map to find an I&A/R Specialist for your area.
Legal Assistance
Legal Assistance Services provide access to the system of justice by offering advice and representation by a legal service provider. This provider acts as an advocate to ensure that older individuals gain access to essential services or financial resources, and protect their rights to be autonomous and to retain dignity. Services are provided in the following major categories: Protective Arrangements, Income Preservation, Public Benefits, Health, Housing/Real Estate, Consumer/Financial, Individual Rights, and Miscellaneous.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
Provides assistance in paying heating bills for people who meet eligibility guidelines. Eligibility is based on income and self-payment participation.
- Eligibility Guidelines - SRS website - LIEAP Section
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local SRS office
Medicaid
Health insurance for low income, blind, and/or disabled persons of any age. Low income people 65 years of age or older may be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Physician, hospital, and prescription drug services are included.
- Eligibility Guidelines - SRS website - Medicaid Section
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local SRS office
Medicaid Nursing Facility Program
The long-term care program's purpose is to provide long-term nursing facility care to Medicaid-eligible seniors whose conditions require care 24 hours per day as well as supervision by a licensed nurse seven days a week. There are certain eligibility requirements which need to be met.
KDOA has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Nursing Facilities.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)
Provides assistance to pay Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance for older adults and people with disabilities who are entitled to Medicare Part A and meet eligibility guidelines.
- Eligibility Guidelines - SRS website.
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local SRS office or call 785-296-3959.
Senior Care Act Program
The Senior Care Act program provides a coordinated system of services to Kansans, 60, or older. These Kansans face difficulties in caring for themselves. Senior Care Act services vary by county. Among the services which may be available are: attendant care, respite care, homemaker, chore services, adult day care, and transportation. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale based on your income and assets for customers who functionally qualify. Customers pay between donation and 100% of the cost of the service.
The Kansas Department on Aging administers the program through the Area Agencies on Aging. For more information regarding the services in your area, consult the Explore Your Options publication.
- Eligibility Guidelines - Must meet SCA Income eligibility guidelines and meet the SCA long-term care threshold.
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local Area Agency on Aging.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)
For people entitled to Medicare Part A whose incomes are slightly higher than poverty level. Pays monthly Part B Medicare premium which is $45.50 in 1999.
- Eligibility Guidelines - SRS website.
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Local SRS office or call 785-296-3959.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Provides monthly payments to people who have low incomes and few assets, and who meet eligibility guidelines. Payment based on need.
- Eligibility Guidelines -
- Age 65+ or disabled (any age)
- Income and resources guidelines for Jan 1999 through December 1999: Individuals income may be supplemented up to $531 if resources are below $2,000. A couple's income may be supplemented up to $796 if resources are below $3,000.
- Where to Get More Information or Apply - Contact the Social Security office or call the national toll free number 800-772-1213.
Targeted Case Management (TCM)
Targeted Case Management provides long-term case management to Medicaid eligible frail elders who seek assistance to remain in their homes or community. TCM Services include: Assessment, plan of care development, referral and related activities, and monitoring and follow up activities. The service is funded as a Medicaid State Plan Service expense versus an expense to the Home and Community Based Services – Frail Elderly waiver.
TCM is provided by Case Management Entities that include the Area Agencies on Aging and Independent TCM Agencies. Customers may choose their TCM provider when there is more than one Case Management Entity that serves their area. TCM provides ongoing assistance, support and monitoring of the services provided to the customer. TCM links formal and informal supports to the HCBS-FE customer to develop a complete package of support. This allows individuals to remain in the most integrated environment of their choice.
Available Case Management Entities for the HCBS/FE waiver
Targeted Case Management for Home and Community Based Services for the Frail Elderly