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Community Options Program Entry System (COPES): Washington State Medicaid Waiver for Long-Term Services and Support for Seniors

Legacy Navigation is a team of Certified Medicaid Planners™ offering COPES waiver application assistance for adults 65 and over in Washington State. We are specially trained in Medicaid programs and how to qualify and apply for them—and we are a fraction of the cost of an Elder Care Attorney.
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WA Long-Term Care Waiver: COPES Medicaid Program Overview

  • 1915(c) HCBS Medicaid Waiver
  • Statewide Medicaid program for Washington seniors.
  • Provides assistance with and access to long-term services and supports to help seniors maintain their way of life and receive their required level of care.
  • Seniors can live in their home, a loved one’s home, or a residential facility such as assisted living or memory care.

 

Benefits of the Washington Long-Term Care Waiver

  • Care services in a residential facility, such as assisted living or memory care
  • Skilled Nursing
  • Adult daycare
  • Home meal delivery services
  • Home safety and accessibility modifications 
  • Laundry services
  • Home chore services
  • Personal emergency response systems
  • Companion services

*Not a complete list

Eligibility Requirements for the Long-Term Care Medicaid Waiver in Washington

Washington’s COPES waiver requires seniors to meet certain financial requirements.

If your financial holdings exceed the limits outlined by Medicaid, but you cannot afford the cost of care for yourself or a loved one, there are Medicaid planning strategies that may help.

2026 Income Limits


  • Single applicant: $2,982/mo
  • Married (both applying): $5,964/mo
  • Married (one spouse applying): $2,982/mo
  • For married couples in Washington, only the income of the applicant is counted towards eligibility. The non-applicant spouse may be entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA).

2026 Asset Limits


  • Individual applicant: $2,000
  • Married spouses (both applying): $3,000
  • If only one spouse is applying, the assets of both spouses are limited because Medicaid considers assets to be jointly owned*

*For additional education on asset limits for Medicaid, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Functional Need Requirement

  • To qualify for a COPES waiver in Washington, seniors must require a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC).
  • An in-person or over-the-phone interview is required to establish functional need.
  • As a Clinical Care Team, Legacy Navigation can prepare you for what this assessment will look like and help you understand the types of questions you will be asked.

Additional Information About Washington State Medicaid Income Eligibility Guidelines

Countable Income

  • Employment wages
  • Alimony payments
  • Pension payments
  • Social Security Disability Income
  • Social Security Income
  • Stock dividends

Non-Countable Income

  • VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound Pensions
  • Holocaust restitution payments

Additional Information About Washington State Medicaid Asset Eligibility Guidelines

Countable Assets

  • Cash
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Investments
  • Bank accounts
  • Real estate that is not the primary home
  • Promissory notes
  • IRA/401K for client
  • IRA/401K for spouse

Non-Countable Assets

  • Primary home (with exceptions)
  • Household furnishings
  • Appliances
  • Burial plot

When You’re Over the Limits for the Washington State Medicaid Eligibility for Long-Term Care

Medically Needy Program

  • A pathway for seniors to meet Medicaid income-eligibility requirements if they have high medical expenses.
  • Income that exceeds Medicaid’s limits is used to pay for medical expenses which can include things like medical transportation, medical supplies, oxygen and more. Find a full list of allowable expenses here. 
  • Medicaid asset limits still apply when applying for the Medically Needy Program

Asset Spend Down

Spending down countable assets on non-countable assets: 

  • Home improvements
  • Safety and accessibility modifications to the home
  • Prepaying funeral and burial expenses
  • Paying off any existing debt

Certified Medicaid Planning™ Services

Medicaid planning professionals can help you organize your finances and identify strategies to help you become Medicaid-eligible in Washington. 

At Legacy Navigation, we take a holistic approach to Medicaid planning and develop a customized plan that fits your unique situation.

How Seniors Can Apply for the Medicaid Waiver Application in Washington

Determine Eligibility

Seniors looking for Washington Medicaid services to supplement the cost of their long-term care needs must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

  • Income limits
  • Asset limits
  • Functional need requirements

Gather All Supporting Documents

You will be asked to verify information about your income, assets, and additional household information. To avoid any delays, it’s essential to have all your eligibility documentation prepared before you submit your application. It’s also crucial that all of your documentation and supplemental information is accurate to avoid being denied based on any procedural errors

Apply

There are various ways seniors can complete the Medicaid application in Washington:

  • In person at your local Home and Community Services Office
  • Mail
  • Online

Applying on Your Own

  • Navigate Medicaid’s eligibility requirements to determine if you qualify.
  • Spend weeks gathering all your supporting documentation and completing the lengthy application process independently.
  • Wait up to three months or longer for your application to process.
  • Navigate various networks of care and service providers on your own to establish long-term care solutions covered by the Washington long-term care waiver.

Applying With Help From Legacy Navigation

  • We assess your unique situation, review your finances, and develop a customized Medicaid plan to help you qualify for the COPES waiver in Washington.
  • We’ll ensure that every required piece of supporting documentation is in place and complete your application on your behalf as your Authorized Representative.
  • In most instances, we can accelerate the application review process.
  • We have a network of partners in the senior care community and can provide referrals to fulfill all the benefits you qualify for as a COPES waiver participant.

Washington COPES Waiver Assistance: Client and Community Partner Testimonials

Legacy Navigation is an amazing company. Just a year ago I was trying to manipulate all the paperwork so my Mother could get approved for Medicaid. I contacted Legacy and they came to my home for a free consultation, which at the end they let me know the cost to hire them. It was the best money spent. This team of ladies know how to get stuff done. Within 90 days my Mother was approved and set up for her remaining days. They took the hassle and stress off by doing all the leg work for me. Everyone one of them cares the very best for their customers and they provide an outstanding service. I would never use anyone else and will return for their help on future needs for my Father as well as In-laws. Loved working with them the entire time.
Gene J.
I have had the pleasure to work with such an amazing team of individuals that put forth their best effort and knowledge of Navigating Medicaid. During the process of guiding our seniors within the Treasure Valley and then some, they have compassion and empathy. They will guide you through every step of the way and even offer a warm shoulder in difficult times. The ease of working with this group of people has been very pleasant. Not only do they assist with navigating the right healthcare plan through Medicaid, but they also help refer to many great communities, such as ours, Emerson House at River Pointe. We are proud to work so closely with; Jessica Young, Brooke Baker, Michelle O' Hayre, and Melissa Hardy. Their hard work and dedication make them a pilar in our community. I highly recommend the services they offer and the heart they wear on their sleeve.
Sylas S
Legacy Navigation made my grandmother's medicaid enrollment and assisted living placement a breeze. We didn't know where to start when my grandma's rent continued to rise and she could no longer afford to stay. They walked us through every step and helped us navigate the options out there for seniors. We are so appreciative of all they did for us!
Krystal V.
Finding Legacy Navigation Services was a godsend to my sister and I! We were unexpectedly asked to take on caregiving duties for our grandmother who really needed to be in an assisted living facility, but who did not have the finances to do so. Between work, family obligations, and new caregiving responsibilities, my sister and I had no time to also educate ourselves on Idaho Medicaid rules and process, much less spend the time dealing with applications and phone calls. Legacy Navigation handled it all for us! Their expert knowledge of the system and the rules helped to guide us down the best path for my grandmother. They took the time to explain how everything worked, and made sure that our application was given the priority it needed. My grandmother will now have the financial means for her facility, and my sister and I were able to spend our energy caring for grandma and not chasing paperwork. Thank you, Legacy Navigation!
Aleasha Eberly

FAQs About the Washington Long-Term Care Waiver Through Medicaid

If your income or assets place you above the Medicaid financial limits but the cost of your monthly care exceeds your income, there are Medicaid planning strategies that can be used to make your income eligible for Medicaid programs. Contact us for a free consultation.

Washington’s long-term care waiver is not an entitlement program. There is a set number of waivers available, and there may be a waiting list for participation upon approval. Typically, access to an available waiver is based on the date of your application. Planning ahead for long-term services and support can be beneficial.

Yes. An applicant’s primary home is generally not considered a countable asset for Medicaid eligibility. If only one spouse within a married couple is applying for a COPES waiver and needs care that only a facility can provide the non-applicant spouse can remain in the primary residence.

Medicaid rules and regulations can be extremely hard to understand, and many applicants are denied the first time they apply for Medicaid assistance. A Certified Medicaid Planning™ team like Legacy Navigation can complete the COPES waiver application on your behalf.
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We are an independent certified Medicaid planning agency and not connected with Medicaid. We specifically focus on the 65 and older and disabled populations, and related A&D Medicaid waivers. We are unable to answer questions outside of these programs. For questions regarding other Medicaid programs, SNAP, health plans, etc. please call your local state Medicaid agency.