DC EPD Waiver Program
Everything you need to know about the Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities waiver program in Washington, DC.
What is the EPD Waiver?
The EPD Waiver is a DC Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program administered by the DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). It provides an alternative to nursing home placement by delivering support services in the participant's home or community.
The program is designed for elderly residents and persons with physical disabilities who need a nursing facility level of care but prefer to receive services in their own homes. Rather than being placed in an institutional setting, participants can access a range of waiver services — from personal care assistance to home modifications — that enable them to live safely and independently.
Premier Support Services is an approved EPD Waiver case management provider. We work directly with participants, their families, and the DC Department of Health Care Finance to ensure access to the services and supports needed for a better quality of life.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the EPD Waiver program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Age 65 or older (elderly), OR age 18–64 with a physical disability
Must be a Washington, DC resident
Must meet DC Medicaid financial eligibility requirements
Must require a nursing facility level of care (need assistance with Activities of Daily Living)
Must choose to receive services in the community rather than a nursing facility
Note: The EPD Waiver is not an entitlement program. Enrollment may be subject to available slots. Contact the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) for current availability.
Services Covered Under the EPD Waiver
The EPD Waiver provides access to a broad range of home and community-based services designed to support independent living.
Case Management (Mandatory)
Every EPD Waiver participant receives case management services. Your case manager conducts assessments, develops your Individualized Service Plan (ISP), coordinates services, and provides ongoing monitoring and advocacy.
Personal Care Aide (PCA)
Hands-on assistance with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, mobility, and eating. PCA services help you maintain dignity and independence at home.
Homemaker Services
Support with instrumental activities of daily living such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, and grocery shopping to maintain a clean and healthy living environment.
Respite Services
Temporary relief for primary family caregivers. Respite care can be provided in the home or at an approved facility, giving caregivers time to rest and recharge.
Adult Day Health Program (ADHP)
Structured therapeutic, social, and health-related activities in a licensed community setting. ADHP programs promote wellness, prevent isolation, and provide supervised daytime care.
Environmental Adaptations
Physical modifications to the home that improve accessibility and safety, including wheelchair ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and accessible bathroom renovations.
Personal Emergency Response (PERS)
An electronic monitoring device worn by the participant that provides 24/7 access to emergency assistance at the push of a button, offering safety and peace of mind.
Chore Aide Services
Heavy-duty household tasks that go beyond routine housekeeping, including deep cleaning, seasonal yard work, and maintenance projects necessary for health and safety.
Assisted Living
Residential care in a licensed assisted living facility for participants who need more support than can be provided at home but do not require nursing facility care.
Community Transition
One-time services to help individuals move from a nursing facility back into the community, including security deposits, essential furnishings, and utility setup assistance.
Services My Way (Participant-Directed)
A self-directed option that allows participants to manage their own services, including hiring, training, and supervising their own care workers with support from a fiscal intermediary.
How to Get Started
Enrolling in the EPD Waiver program is a straightforward process. Here's what to expect:
Contact DACL
Call the DC Department of Aging and Community Living at (202) 724-5626 or the Access Helpline at (888) 793-4357 to begin the intake process.
Eligibility Assessment
A representative will assess your eligibility for the EPD Waiver program, including a determination of your level of care needs and Medicaid eligibility.
Choose a Provider
Select Premier Support Services as your case management provider. You have the right to choose the provider that best fits your needs.
Begin Services
Your assigned case manager will conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop your Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to begin coordinating your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the EPD Waiver program and our case management services.
A case manager serves as your primary advocate and coordinator throughout the EPD Waiver program. They conduct comprehensive assessments of your needs, develop your Individualized Service Plan (ISP), arrange and coordinate all waiver services, perform monthly home visits to monitor your well-being, and ensure that your services are delivered effectively. Your case manager also helps you navigate the healthcare system, connect with community resources, and resolve any issues that arise with your care.
Yes, absolutely. As an EPD Waiver participant, you have the right to choose your own case management provider from any approved provider in the DC Medicaid network. You also have the right to change providers at any time if you are not satisfied with your current services. Premier Support Services is an approved EPD Waiver case management provider, and we welcome the opportunity to serve you.
At a minimum, your case manager will conduct monthly home visits to check on your well-being, review your services, and address any concerns. However, your case manager is available more frequently if needed — especially during the initial assessment phase, during times of crisis, or when changes to your care plan are necessary. You can also reach your case manager by phone during business hours.
No, the EPD Waiver is specifically designed as an alternative to nursing home placement. The program provides home and community-based services that allow individuals who would otherwise require nursing facility care to remain in their homes and communities. Nursing facility costs are covered under a different Medicaid program. The EPD Waiver funds services like personal care aides, homemaker services, environmental adaptations, and case management — all intended to keep you living independently.
If you are currently residing in a nursing facility and wish to return to the community, the EPD Waiver offers Community Transition services to help make that possible. These services include assistance with finding housing, setting up essential household furnishings, paying security deposits and utility setup fees, and coordinating all necessary support services. Your case manager will work with you, the nursing facility, and community providers to ensure a safe and smooth transition back home.
The enrollment timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your application, your Medicaid eligibility status, and the current availability of waiver slots. Generally, the process involves an initial intake call, an eligibility assessment, and provider selection. We recommend contacting the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) at (888) 793-4357 for the most current timeline information and to begin the process as soon as possible.
Helpful Links
Connect with key agencies and resources related to the EPD Waiver program.
Call (202) 724-5626 for intake and program information.
Visit dhcf.dc.gov for official program details and updates.
Call (888) 793-4357 for assistance with aging and disability resources.
Official Medicare information, plan comparisons, and enrollment resources.