Erie County Government - Official website of the Erie County, NY Government
Note: Although this web site is fully accessible to all browsers and internet devices, it has been designed to utilize current web standards, and therefore appears quite differently in browsers that do not support current web standards.
For more information on web standards and how to upgrade your browser please visit the Browser Upgrade Campaign at http://www.webstandards.org/upgrade/.
Erie County Department of Social Services
Erie County Department of Social Services
Note: Although this web site is fully accessible to all browsers and internet devices, it has been designed to utilize current web standards, and therefore appears quite differently in browsers that do not support current web standards.
For more information on web standards and how to upgrade your browser please visit the Browser Upgrade Campaign at http://www.webstandards.org/upgrade/.
Banner Photo Credits: Photographs by the U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office (PIO).
More Information:
Medicaid
CASA - Community Alternative Systems Agency
The Community Alternative Systems Agency [CASA], located in the Division of Long Term Care is staffed by employees of the Erie County Department of Social Services and Jewish Family Service. CASA's primary function is to determine the appropriateness and necessity for Medicaid long-term care services and develop suitable care plans for community based elderly and/or disabled individuals in Erie County to remain as independent as possible. In 2008, CASA provided home care services to over 4,000 clients and their families.
Eligibility Requirements:
A person must meet certain program eligibility requirements to become a part of the CASA system:
- Must be a resident of Erie County.
- Must be financially eligible for New York State Medicaid.
- Must obtain a physician's medical order for home care services.
A team of Medicaid eligibility workers located within the CASA services division interview new applicants for Medicaid who are looking specifically for Home Health Care Services. They also do the annual financial eligibility reviews for each Medicaid home care recipient.
Access and Coordination Team:
The Access and Coordination Team [ACT] is a multi-dimensional unit designed to help consumers access appropriate community services within the Long-term Care System. ACT is committed to the coordination of quality care, community education, and the most efficient use of Medicaid resources. ACT is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and processing all new referrals for home care services.
ACT referral process -
A referral for CASA services can be made by calling 858-2323. The best time to call is between 9:00am and 1:00pm.
- The referral source will speak with the Intake Social Services Team Worker [SSTW]. The SSTW makes sure that the client is not already active with CASA, then checks the New York State system for Medicaid eligibility.
- If the potential client is not currently Medicaid active, the caller will be directed to the CASA Medicaid Unit or another appropriate agency for assistance.
- The ACT nurse or caseworker will ask case-specific questions attempting to identify needs and determine if CASA is the most appropriate program. If CASA is not the most appropriate program, individual will be referred to the proper agency or agencies within the Long-term Care System.
- For referrals that are accepted, ACT will follow-up with additional telephone calls and send for medical orders. The ACT nurse will also send reminder letters to the physicians to expedite the process. Once medical orders are received, the referral is sent to one of the CASA assessment teams to complete a community evaluation by making a home visit.
Getting Eligibility Established:
After assessing the client's needs CASA arranges for home care services for its clients. CASA clients may receive:
- Personal care aide services, which provide assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, etc.
- Environmental aide services, which cover assistance with household chores, meal preparation, shopping, laundry, and similar activities.
- Private duty nursing services, if continuous skilled nursing assistance is warranted.
Consumer Directed Personal Attendant Program [CDPAP]:
If a client qualifies for CASA services, they may also be eligible for assistance through the Consumer Directed Personal Attendant Program, a unique program which allows clients to recruit, hire, and supervise their own aides. Consumer directed attendants may also perform skilled nursing tasks under the consumer's direction.
Long-term Home Health Care Program [LTHHCP]:
CASA also assesses Medicaid eligibility for clients in the LTHHCP and monitors the appropriateness of their care. LTHHCP is also referred to as a 'nursing home without walls'. The program consists of a coordinated plan of care and services that are provided at home or in adult care facilities to a person who is medically eligible for residential nursing home care. CASA also ensures that the services the LTHHCP clients receive are cost effective.
- CASA is responsible for the prior approval of several Medicaid long-term care services to ensure the most appropriate, least restrictive setting and access to home-based care. This includes approving skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facility placements for all Medicaid clients.
Additional Information:
For more information about CASA services, please call:
Access and Coordination Team [ACT]
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm.
[716] 858-2323
To request a Medicaid application, questions about eligibility and/or schedule an appointment, please call:
Medicaid Eligibility Team
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm.
[716] 858-2396
Your information resource from the government of Erie County, New York
