New York State Medicaid 1115 Waiver

Consumer Directed Choices (CDChoices) participates in New York State (NYS) Medicaid 1115 Waiver program in collaboration with Social Care Networks (SCNs) to support individuals whose health outcomes are affected by social and environmental factors. As an approved provider, CDChoices will serve as a Screener and Social Care Navigator for the NYS Medicaid 1115 Waiver program, conducting initial and annual screenings to identify potential needs for 1115 Waiver services. From there, we help connect individuals to resources that improve health and well-being, including care coordination and access to community-based supports.

Working alongside the Hudson Valley Care Coalition (HVCC), and other community partners, CDChoices supports the goals of the 1115 Waiver by helping reduce barriers to care, improving care transitions, and promoting stability for individuals and caregivers. Services are delivered using a person-centered approach that aligns with program requirements and focuses on coordination, accountability, and continuity of care.

Who is Eligible for the NYS 1115 Medicaid Waiver?

The New York State Medicaid 1115 Waiver program supports Medicaid members of all ages who experience health-related social needs, including housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, or caregiving challenges. CDChoices works in collaboration with Social Care Networks (SCNs) to support individuals who may benefit from coordinated, non-medical interventions designed to improve health outcomes, strengthen stability, and support independent living.

Determining Eligibility and Access to 1115 Waiver Services

Participation in NYS Medicaid 1115 Waiver services is determined by participating Social Care Networks (SCNs). Individuals cannot enroll directly through CDChoices and must be referred through an approved SCN or healthcare partner. Eligibility assessments, service authorizations, and care planning are completed in accordance with waiver requirements to ensure appropriate, person-centered support.

Getting Started with 1115 Waiver Services

Everyone begins with a simple screening to see if 1115 Waiver services could help. CDChoices is approved to conduct these screenings and uses them to identify each person’s needs, ensuring they’re connected to the right support.

If the screening indicates a potential need for 1115 Waiver services, our team helps guide individuals through the next steps. Even if someone doesn’t qualify for the waiver benefits, we can still help connect them to helpful community resources.

Social Care Networks and Service Areas

CDChoices collaborates with the Hudson Valley Care Coalition (HVCC) to deliver the services under the NYS Medicaid 1115 Waiver program in the following counties:

• Dutchess
• Orange
• Putnam
• Rockland
• Sullivan
• Ulster
• Westchester

CDChoices’ Role as a Social Care Network Partner

As a Social Care Network (SCN) partner, CDChoices plays a supportive role in the implementation of approved NYS Medicaid 1115 Waiver services. This includes coordinating referrals from SCNs and healthcare partners, facilitating access to community-based supports, and assisting with the delivery and tracking of non-medical services authorized under the waiver. CDChoices supports required data collection, service tracking, and outcome reporting to ensure accountability, quality, and continuous improvement under the 1115 Waiver.

CDChoices does not provide medical services or replace clinical care. Instead, the organization collaborates closely with healthcare providers, Social Care Networks, and community-based organizations to help address identified social drivers of health. Through this collaborative approach, CDChoices helps strengthen care coordination, reduce gaps in services, and support improved health outcomes and stability for Medicaid members and their caregivers.

NYS Medicaid 1115 Waiver Support Services

Depending on individual needs and determinations made by participating SCNs, services available through the NYS Medicaid 1115 Waiver may include a range of non-medical, community-based supports designed to address social drivers of health and improve overall stability and well-being.

These supports may include, but are not limited to:

• Care coordination and care navigation to help individuals access appropriate services and resources
• Connection to community-based organizations and local supports that address identified social needs
• Support during care transitions, including coordination following hospital discharge or changes in care settings
• Assistance addressing social drivers of health, such as housing stability, access to food, transportation, and caregiving support

All services are delivered in alignment with New York State Medicaid 1115 Waiver requirements and focus on improving health outcomes through coordinated, person-centered support.