The Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) is a Washington state Medicaid program. COPES is designed to allow individuals who require Long-Term Care to receive the necessary care while residing in their homes or other community living environments, such as assisted living facilities.
Not only will the individual receive the appropriate level of care that he or she needs, but he or she also will receive any other supports that are needed to allow independent or assisted community living. Some examples of these supports might include:
- Payment for home renovations to allow better safety and access for the individual
- Personal emergency response services
- Transportation assistance for medical appointments and other necessary errands
- Payment for a personal care provider
One of the most attractive features of the COPES program is the ability of an individual to choose his or own personal care provider, rather than having the state choose the provider. COPES will make compensation available to that care provider at a certain rate, which typically ranges from $11 to $15 per hour. Even an individual’s relative can act as a personal care provider, although spouses cannot be paid for personal care services.
As is the case with any Medicaid program, there are certain income and resource limits that an individual must meet in order to be eligible for the program. These limits are complex and confusing. For instance, some assets are considered exempt altogether, which means that they don’t count toward the resource limit, while other assets are countable.
Elder Law Group PLLC knows the ins and outs of the COPES program and Washington Medicaid law. As a result, we have the experience necessary to help you through any type of situation, including helping you or your loved one become eligible for Medicaid and other government benefits. No matter what type of issue you are facing, we are here to help.
All too often, individuals in need of Long-Term Care don’t know where to turn first, and think that nursing home residency is the only option. In this situation, you can count on Elder Law Group, your Washington Long-Term Care planning attorneys, to guide you as you gather information about your options, evaluate each option, and make the decision that is best for you and your family.