Getting Started with AUCP:Â
If you’re feeling unsure about which services you qualify for, what programs are available, or how to even begin the application process—don’t worry, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re in exactly the right place.
Navigating care and support services can feel overwhelming, but that’s why we’re here. At AUCP, our Service Coordinators are compassionate experts who are trained to walk you through every step of the process. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself, a loved one, or someone you care for, we’re here to help make it simple, stress-free, and tailored to your unique situation.
There are a few important steps required to apply for services, and we’ve designed a straightforward system to guide you through them. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the referral process—what to expect, how we help, and how to take that all-important first step.
You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. All you need is the willingness to start—and we’ll take it from there.
Contact our Referral Specialist:
Erica Lau:Â (814) 915-4249
She will walk you through the process and call PA IEB with you.
Contact the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB)
You will begin a waiver application in a three-way phone call with our Referral Specialist.
• Learn more about Home and Community Based Waiver Services.
• Tell PA IEB you want to apply for waiver services and schedule your first in-home visit.
• Read the list of papers you need for the first in-home visit.
⊲ PA IEB sends a Physician’s Certification Form to your doctor to fill out and send to PA IEB.
If your doctor does not send the form, PA IEB asks you to remind your doctor.
Have your first in-home visit.
• At your first in-home visit, you talk with a person from PA IEB about your needs and
abilities to see if waiver services or other programs meet your needs.
• Complete the Medical Assistance application (PA 600) and other required forms.
⊲ If there are any missing forms, The County Assistance Office (CAO) will send a letter
to tell you how to send the forms.
Go to www.compass.state.pa.us and fill out the forms online or
*Please contact our Referral Specialist, Erica Lau:Â (814) 915-4249Â with any questions.
Have your second in-home visit.
• After your first in-home visit, PA IEB sends a request to the Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
• AAA calls you to schedule your second in-home visit.
• At this visit, a person from AAA does a Functional Eligibility Determination to find out
whether you qualify for waiver services based on the care you need.
⊲ After your second in-home visit, AAA sends the results to PA IEB.
*Please contact our Referral Specialist, Erica Lau:Â (814) 915-4249Â with any questions.
Have your second in-home visit.
• After your first in-home visit, PA IEB sends a request to the Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
• AAA calls you to schedule your second in-home visit.
• At this visit, a person from AAA does a Functional Eligibility Determination to find out
whether you qualify for waiver services based on the care you need.
⊲ After your second in-home visit, AAA sends the results to PA IEB.
*Please contact our Referral Specialist, Erica Lau:Â (814) 915-4249Â with any questions.
The CAO reviews your waiver application and makes a decision.
• The CAO reviews your waiver application to see if you qualify financially.
• If anything is missing, the CAO will send a letter to tell you how to send it to them.
• Once your application is complete, the CAO approves or denies it.
• The CAO sends a notice to you, to PA IEB, and to your chosen Managed Care
Organization/Service Coordination Agency.
• You get the decision about whether you qualify within 90 days after
PA IEB starts your waiver application.
⊲ If you do not get a decision within 90 days, you can ask for a fair hearing.
*Please contact our Referral Specialist, Erica Lau:Â (814) 915-4249Â with any questions.
If your waiver application is approved
You are enrolled in Home Community Based Waiver Services with an agency of your choice.
If your waiver application is denied
And you disagree with that decision, you can ask for a fair hearing.
