Adult Family Care
My Patient Guide
Guiding you every step of the way.
What is AFC?
AFC is a Medicaid Waiver program that enables up to three individuals, at risk of placement in a nursing facility and who meet income and resource requirements, to live in a home in the community and to receive support and health services from a trained caregiver. By providing a uniquely designed package of supports for the individual, AFC delays or prevents placement in a nursing facility.
What services are provided?
AFC offers all New Jersey Title XIX Medicaid services authorized in a Plan of Care (POC) except Nursing Facility, Personal Care Assistant and Medicaid Hospice services. All AFC participants receive Care Management services. In addition, the POC specifies other services to be delivered, which may include:
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
- Laundry
- Errands
- Housekeeping
- Socialization and Recreation activities
- Monitoring of client’s funds when requested by client
- Up to 24 hours a day of supervision
- Medication administration
Are there limits to the AFC services?
The availability of AFC services is determined by the number of licensed Sponsor Agencies, vacancies in provider homes, and Medicaid Waiver Assisted Living slots. Distribution of these slots is managed through the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Aging and Community Services. The service package provided is based on an assessment of the individual’s needs, unique care plan, and availability of services and funding.
Who provides these services?
Care Management: A Registered Nurse or Social Worker employed by a licensed Adult Family Care Sponsor Agency.
Trained Caregivers are:
- New Jersey resident;
- Graduates of a formal training program or a Certified Home Health Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse;
- Individuals demonstrating a caring attitude;
- Screened through references and background checks;
- Deemed physically and emotionally capable, by a physician, of providing required care on a daily basis; and
- Judged appropriate by Adult Family Care Sponsor Agency staff to care for someone in his or her private residence.
Who is eligible for AFC Medicaid waiver services?
An AFC Medicaid Waiver eligible individual is a New Jersey resident who:
Meets the following clinical requirements:
- Is at least 65 years old or 21-64 and determined disabled by the Social Security Administration or by the Disability Review Section, New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services; and
- Has been assessed by staff of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Regional Office of Community Choice Options, and found to be in need of nursing facility level of care
Meets financial eligibility by:
1. Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income in the community; or
2. Qualifying for Institutional Medicaid:
- Has a gross monthly income at or below $1,869 per month
- Resources at or below $2,000; or
3. Qualifying for New Jersey Care:
- Has a gross monthly income that is no more than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level ($851 in 2007)
- Resources at or below $4,000.
A spouse's income is not considered in the determination of eligibility, but the spouse's resources are considered.
Is there a cost in AFC?
If applicable, AFC program participants may pay the provider a cost share in addition to any room and board fees, depending upon his or her income and allowable deductions. The Care Manager calculates the cost share.
How do I apply for AFC?
Individuals interested in receiving services through AFC may contact the NJ EASE site in their county. NJ EASE is the Easy Access Single Entry point for senior service information, and can be reached toll free by dialing 1-877-222-3737. NJ EASE workers will assist callers and refer individuals to the proper application point.
For additional information contact:
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Aging and Community Services
P.O. Box 807
Trenton, NJ 08625-0807
Phone: 1-800-792-8820
Home and Community
Based Programs
Home / Community Programs
Home / Community Programs
