Medicaid, Medicare & local assistance.
Plain-language guide to Utah Medicaid programs, Medicare counseling, and local financial help for caregivers and patients. Applications take time — starting early almost always helps.
What programs are available?
Utah Medicaid includes several programs. Here is a plain-language overview of the most relevant ones for older adults and people with disabilities.
Traditional Medicaid
Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and many other medical services for eligible low-income individuals.
Utah Medicaid Member Services: 1-800-323-7798
medicaid.utah.gov →Medicaid Home Health
Covers intermittent skilled nursing and therapy services provided in the home for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries. Requires physician authorization and medical necessity.
medicaid.utah.gov →Personal Care Services
Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. May be provided through the Medicaid state plan or waiver programs depending on eligibility.
ADRC: 1-800-371-7897 (information and options)
Aging Waiver (HCBS)
Allows eligible individuals age 65+ who meet nursing facility level of care requirements to receive home and community-based services instead of institutional care. See details below.
SERDA Aging Program (local): (435) 613-0036
serda.utah.gov/aging →New Choices Waiver
Helps individuals who are in a long-term care facility or at risk of institutional placement return to or remain in the community with support services.
SERDA Aging Program (local): (435) 613-0036
Utah New Choices Waiver manual →Spenddown Program
For individuals with income above Medicaid limits who meet medical expense requirements. Out-of-pocket medical expenses may be used to "spend down" income to the Medicaid eligibility level.
Utah Medicaid Member Services: 1-800-323-7798
medicaid.utah.gov →SHIP — Free Medicare Counseling
Available through the Utah SHIP program, often delivered locally through organizations like Grand Center. Free, unbiased counseling with no sales pressure.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Medicaid covers rides to and from medical appointments for eligible individuals who have no other means of transportation.
More about the Aging Waiver and home-based services
The Aging Waiver is one of Utah's Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. It allows eligible individuals age 65 and older who meet nursing facility level of care and financial requirements to receive services at home or in a community setting instead of in a nursing facility.
Services may include (depending on individual needs and approval):
- Personal care assistance
- Homemaker services (light housekeeping, laundry)
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Home-delivered meals
- Adult day services
- Home modifications for safety
- Limited transportation related to care needs
Important note for Grand County
In-home services in Grand County are extremely limited and may not be consistently available. The Aging Waiver is still the required starting point to determine eligibility and explore what services may be available.
How to apply for the Aging Waiver
Contact Grand Center at (435) 259-6623. They can assist with the application process and connect you with the appropriate state agencies.
You may also call the Utah Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) directly: 1-800-371-7897
Medicare help (SHIP) — free and unbiased
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers — at no cost and with no sales pressure.
SHIP counselors can help with:
- Comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
- Understanding Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
- Appealing Medicare coverage or claim denials
- Understanding long-term care planning options
- Identifying programs that help pay Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- General Medicare questions and enrollment guidance
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) — Utah
Direct line: 1-800-541-7735
No income requirement. No cost. No obligation.
Other financial resources
Fuel Cards — Moab Healthcare Foundation
Moab Healthcare Foundation provides limited fuel assistance for individuals undergoing cancer treatment who need to travel for medical care. Availability and eligibility are restricted.
mhfmoab.org →2-1-1 Utah
Connects callers to local assistance programs for food, utilities, housing, transportation, and more. Free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Dial 2-1-1Moab Solutions
Can help with rent, utilities, lodging, food, dental/physician bills, medicine, gas, bus/train tickets, car repairs, and admission to drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers.
Visit Website →Have questions about any of these programs?
The Utah ADRC and 2-1-1 are both excellent starting points.