“New Freedom (NF) is a voluntary Medicaid funded program that allows eligible Participants to receive services in their home and community while managing their own service plan and budget. NF offers elders and adults with disabilities the option to manage a budget and decide for themselves what mix of services/goods will best meet their care needs.

NF provides flexibility to quickly adjust services and allows consumers to exercise more decision-making authority and to take primary responsibility for obtaining services.  An individual budget and spending plan is developed based on the Participants’ assessed needs and preferences and includes goods and services (including hiring and managing employees) that will best meet the identified needs. They may use their service budgets to hire their own personal care aides as well as purchase items or services that help them live independently.”