---
title: "What Is Level of care assessment? Home Care Glossary"
description: "A level of care assessment is an evaluation that decides whether a person needs the level of care that a nursing facility provides. Medicaid waiver..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/level-of-care-assessment/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

State programs

# Level of care assessment

A level of care assessment is an evaluation that decides whether a person needs the level of care that a nursing facility provides. Medicaid waiver programs require it. The person must show a need that meets the state's institutional criteria. Each state sets its own tool and rules.

## Why it matters for your family

The assessment looks at what help a person needs, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and moving, and often at memory and safety. A nurse or social worker usually does it, sometimes in the home. In Michigan, waiver agencies run the evaluation and the state gives the final decision. A common mistake is to hide problems. Describe a typical bad day, not the best one. Have a family member present. The person may still receive services at home. Passing the test does not mean moving to a facility. Ask for a copy of the result, and ask how to appeal if the person is denied.

Source: [medicaid.gov](https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services/home-community-based-services-authorities/home-community-based-services-1915c/index.html)

[Read more: Paying for care](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/paying-for-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver**A home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/home-and-community-based-services-waiver/)
-   [**Medicaid eligibility**Medicaid eligibility for long-term care depends on need, income, and assets.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medicaid-eligibility/)
-   [**Care assessment**A care assessment is a review of a person's health, abilities, home and support to decide what help they need.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/care-assessment/)
-   [**Needs assessment**A needs assessment is a structured review of what help a person needs and what support they already have.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/needs-assessment/)
-   [**MI Choice Waiver**The MI Choice Waiver is Michigan's Medicaid home and community-based services waiver for adults age 65 or older and adults 18 or older with a disability.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mi-choice-waiver/)
-   [**STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program**The STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services program is a Texas Medicaid waiver for adults who would otherwise need a nursing facility.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/star-plus-home-and-community-based-services-program/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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