Vermont
Choices for Care Program (Choices for Care)
Self-directed care programs in Vermont that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Choices for Care Program
Wait: VariesPA Hourly Rate
$15.49 - $20.00
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$800 - $3,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse or family members as paid caregivers
- Manage a flexible budget for care services
- Receive personal care, companion, and homemaker services
- Access home modifications and assistive equipment
- Use respite care for caregiver relief
- Choose between agency and self-directed models
What You Can't Do
- Use funds for room, board, or rent
- Exceed your approved budget allocation
- Receive services in a nursing facility while on the waiver
- Hire a caregiver who fails Vermont background checks
- Use funds for medical or skilled nursing services
- Skip the level of care assessment process
How to Apply
Apply for Vermont Medicaid
Ensure Medicaid enrollment through the Department for Children and Families at (800) 250-8427.
Contact DAIL
Reach the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living at (802) 241-0309.
Complete clinical assessment
A nurse or assessor evaluates your care needs and determines your level (Highest, High, or Moderate).
Receive enrollment
Based on your level and slot availability, you're enrolled in Choices for Care.
Choose self-directed/Flexible Choices
Elect the self-directed option for maximum control over your care.
Develop spending plan
Work with your case manager to create your monthly spending plan.
Hire and enroll caregivers
Recruit caregivers and complete enrollment through the fiscal agent.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Vermont
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For payroll
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax withholding
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
Vermont criminal background check
Vermont Crime Information Center check
Adult Abuse Registry check
Clearance from Vermont's Adult Abuse Registry
Direct deposit form
Banking details for payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Choices for Care?
Vermont's Choices for Care program provides long-term services and supports to eligible Vermonters who meet nursing facility level of care. It includes a flexible choices option for self-directed care.
Can my spouse be my caregiver in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont allows spouses to serve as paid caregivers under Choices for Care.
Is there a waitlist?
Availability varies. The Highest Need group generally has no waitlist, while the High Need group may have waitlists depending on funding.
What services are covered?
Personal care, homemaker services, companion care, adult day services, respite, and home modifications.
What are the levels of need?
Vermont categorizes applicants as Highest Need, High Need, or Moderate Need. Each level has different services and funding priority.
How does the Flexible Choices option work?
You receive a monthly budget based on your assessed needs and have flexibility in how you spend it on approved services, including hiring your own caregivers.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Vermont's Choices for Care program.