NHTD Waiver in Queens, NY: How to Access Home and Community-Based Care in 2026

# NHTD Waiver in Queens, NY: How to Access Home and Community-Based Care in 2026

For Queens residents with physical disabilities or traumatic brain injuries, the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver is one of the most valuable — and least known — programs in New York State.

The NHTD Waiver allows individuals who would otherwise require nursing home care to receive support services at home, in the community, and in the setting of their choice. In a borough as dense and diverse as Queens, this program can be the difference between living independently and losing that independence entirely.

Who Qualifies for the NHTD Waiver in Queens

The NHTD Waiver is available to New York State Medicaid recipients who meet the following criteria:

• Age: 18–64 with a physical disability, OR 65+ with a physical disability
• Medical need: Requires nursing home level of care (documented by physician)
• Living situation: Currently living in the community OR transitioning from a nursing facility
• Medicaid: Must be enrolled in NY Medicaid (not Medicaid managed care / MLTC)
• Functional status: Assessed by a Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC)

Queens residents are served through the New York City RRDC based in Manhattan. The assessment process involves a home visit and functional evaluation.

What the NHTD Waiver Covers in Queens

Once approved, the NHTD Waiver covers a comprehensive set of community-based services:

Habilitation Services — Support with daily living skills, community integration, and maintaining independence
Community Integration Counseling — Individual counseling to support the transition to independent community living
Home and Community Support Services — Personal assistance in the home for activities of daily living
Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy — Skilled therapeutic services provided at home or in outpatient settings in Queens
Transportation — Medicaid-covered transportation to medical appointments, therapy, and community activities
Environmental Modifications — Home modifications such as grab bars, ramp installation, or accessible bathroom upgrades in your Queens residence
Assistive Technology — Wheelchairs, communication devices, adaptive equipment
Moving Assistance — Funding to help individuals transition from a nursing facility back to Queens

How to Apply for NHTD in Queens: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Confirm Medicaid Enrollment
You must be enrolled in New York State Medicaid (fee-for-service) — not a Medicaid Managed Care plan. If you are in a managed care plan, contact NY Medicaid Choice at 1-888-401-6582 to discuss your options.
Step 2: Contact the NYC Regional Resource Development Center
The RRDC covering Queens conducts the initial intake and assessment. Call the NYC RRDC to request an NHTD Waiver evaluation. They will schedule a home visit and functional assessment.
Step 3: Choose an NHTD Waiver Service Coordinator
Once your application is received, you will work with a Service Coordinator who helps develop your Individualized Service Plan (ISP). This coordinator is your primary guide through the entire process.
Step 4: Complete the Assessment
A RRDC assessor will evaluate your functional needs and confirm nursing home level of care. This is the key eligibility determination.
Step 5: Develop Your Individualized Service Plan
Working with your Service Coordinator, you will identify the specific services you need and which providers in Queens will deliver them.
Step 6: Services Begin
Once your ISP is approved, your selected providers begin delivering services — typically within 30–60 days of application completion.

How Long Does NHTD Approval Take in Queens?

The full NHTD approval process in New York City typically takes 60–120 days from first contact to services beginning. The process can take longer if:

• Medicaid enrollment needs to be updated
• Medical documentation is incomplete
• There are capacity constraints at the NYC RRDC

Working with an experienced provider who knows the NYC NHTD process can significantly reduce delays.

Priority Cares Home Services — NHTD Waiver in Queens

Priority Cares Home Services is a licensed NHTD Waiver provider serving Queens and the broader New York City area.

Our Queens NHTD services include:

• Habilitation services delivered by trained staff familiar with the Queens community
• Home and Community Support Services for Queens residents with physical disabilities and TBI
• Coordination with NYC transit systems, hospitals, and community resources throughout Queens
• Service Coordination assistance to help guide you through the application and approval process
• Multilingual support — our staff serves Queens’ diverse communities in multiple languages

We work with the NYC RRDC and understand the specific requirements for Queens residents, including assessments, documentation, and the approval timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions — NHTD in Queens

Can I receive NHTD services while living in an apartment in Queens?
Yes. The NHTD Waiver is specifically designed for community-based settings. Any Queens residence — apartment, family home, or supported living arrangement — qualifies.
What if I am currently in a nursing facility in Queens?
The NHTD Waiver has a “transition” track specifically for individuals moving from a nursing facility back to the community. Priority Cares can assist with the transition process, including identifying Queens housing and setting up services before discharge.
Does the NHTD Waiver cover 24-hour care?
The NHTD Waiver covers a range of scheduled services but is not designed to replace round-the-clock nursing home care. Service hours are based on your individual assessed needs.
Is the NHTD Waiver the same as MLTC or CDPAP?
No. The NHTD Waiver is a separate program for individuals with physical disabilities (18+). MLTC (Managed Long-Term Care) is primarily for seniors 65+. CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) is a different program that allows a family member to serve as a paid caregiver.

Get Started with NHTD in Queens

If you or a family member in Queens may qualify for the NHTD Waiver, the first step is confirming Medicaid enrollment and requesting an assessment through the NYC RRDC.

Priority Cares Home Services is available to answer questions about the NHTD Waiver, help you understand your eligibility, and guide you through the process.

Contact Priority Cares: (718) 400-6166 | admin@prioritycareshs.com | prioritycareshs.com
Serving Queens and all five boroughs of New York City.