The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) approved the renewal application for the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) waiver, WA.0049, on September 29, 2023. With the approved renewal application, the state is allowed to continue to provide COPES waiver services to eligible persons. The COPES waiver renewal is effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028.
The COPES waiver was implemented in 1982 and is one of the oldest waivers in the nation. It provides services to over 53,000 individuals living in their own homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Adult Family Homes in Washington state. Without the home and community-based services and supports provided under COPES, individuals would require the level of care provided in a nursing facility. Services in the COPES waiver act as a wraparound to services available in the Community First Choice (CFC) State Plan program. Services available in this waiver include:
- Client Support Training/Wellness Education
- Skilled Nursing
- Home Delivered Meals
- Environmental Modifications
- Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies
- Transportation
- Adult Day Care
- Adult Day Health
- Community Choice Guiding
- Community Support: Goods and Services
Changes to the COPES waiver in the renewal application include:
- Updated maximum number of participants authorized to be served in the waiver each year.
- Addition of a new provider type, Assistive Technology Professional, to the Client Support Training/Wellness Education service.
- Revision of Performance Measures.
For more information, read the approval letter from CMS.
Questions? Please contact:
Anne Moua, anne.moua@dshs.wa.gov