The Choices For Independence Program (formerly known as the Home and Community-Based Care program for the Elderly and Chronically Ill, or HCBC-ECI) is available for seniors and adults with chronic illnesses who are financially eligible for Medicaid and medically qualify for the level of care provided in nursing facilities.

Administered by the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, the program provides a wide range of service choices that help seniors and adults with chronic illnesses to continue living independently in their own homes and communities.  These services may include, but not be limited to:  in-home nursing services, homemaker services, housing options, and other specialized services, such as respite care.

The Choices For Independence name is effective as of February 2008, and was chosen to better reflect the purpose of the program as described above.  However, there is no change in eligibility or other program requirements.

The Choices for Independence brochure provides introductory information about the program.  People who wish to apply for the program may contact NH ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412. Information may also be obtained by accessing Medicaid Long-Term Care.

The Home Delivered Meals

Also known as "Meals on Wheels", provides nutritious meals to seniors and adults in their home setting.  The home delivered meals program helps individuals meet their daily nutritional requirements while providing a daily check of the participants well being.   Individuals make voluntary donations toward the cost of their meals.  However, no one is denied a meal because of unwillingness or inability to make a donation in accordance with state and federal regulations.  This service provides in-home support to homebound adults age 60 and older and disabled adults age 18 and over.  An adult may be eligible through the Older American's Act, Social Services Block Grant or Home and Community Based Care for the Elderly or Chronically Ill Medicaid program.

Homemaker Services

Services that support participants with maintaining their homes by assisting with light housekeeping, meal preparation, basic needs shopping, household maintenance, financial payments, and reminders for personal care and medications.  An adult may be eligible through the Social Services Block Grant or Home and Community Based Care for the Elderly or Chronically Ill Medicaid program.

In-Home Care

Provides non-medical and medically oriented services.  Non-medical services include home care tasks such as meal preparation, shopping and light housekeeping.   Medically oriented services may include nursing, personal care, medication management, physical and occupational therapies, meals and socialization.  An adult may be eligible through the Social Services Block Grant or Home and Community Based Care for the Elderly or Chronically Ill Medicaid program.

Transportation Services

Service are available to seniors and  includes funding of transportation to support volunteer activities, including travel expenses for older volunteers.  An individual must be 60 years old or a disabled or chronically ill adult age 18 or older to be eligible for transportation services.  Information may also be eligible through the Older American's Act or Home and Community-Based Care for the Elderly or Chronically Ill obtained by accessing Medicaid Long-Term Care.

Day Services

Also referred to as Adult Day Services, allow eligible adults to be in supervised group settings during daytime hours for one to five days per week.  Adult Group Day and Adult Medical Day programs are two types of day services.  An adult may be eligible through the Older American's Act, Social Services Block Grant or Home and Community-Based Care for the Elderly or Chronically Ill Medicaid program.

Congregate Meals

Provides nutritious meals in group settings to seniors and adults with disabilities.  Congregate meal programs operate in a variety of settings – senior housing, church facilities, town halls and senior centers.  Some locations provide access to a variety of other services such as health and wellness programs, socialization opportunities, volunteer opportunities and transportation.  Individuals make voluntary donations toward their meal costs, however, no one is denied a meal because of unwillingness or inability to make a donation in accordance with NH statutes and federal regulations. 

To qualify for Congregate Meal services:

A person must be 60 years of age or older. 
A spouse of any age who attends meal services with a qualified person.
A disabled person under age 60 who resides in a housing facility where congregate meals are served.
A disabled person who lives at home but accompanies a qualified person to a congregate meal site.
A congregate meal program volunteer.