Navigating Medicaid and waiver programs in New York can be a complex journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Individual Home Care, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when you're trying to locate the right forms, submit documentation, or simply speak to someone who can guide you through the next step. That’s why we’ve created this local resource guide — to help you quickly find the right support in your area.

Whether you're applying for Medicaid for the first time or managing services under a waiver program like TBI, NHTD, or OPWDD, having access to local, in-person assistance can make a big difference. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key agencies that serve your county, along with a short overview of what they do and how they can help.

County Medicaid Offices: Your First Stop for Application Support

Every New York county has its own Medicaid office. These locations are where you can drop off documents, ask specific eligibility questions, and get guidance tailored to your situation.

If you're just beginning your Medicaid application or need to submit documentation for redetermination, your local county Medicaid office is often the most direct and reliable place to start. They’re also essential for submitting important documents such as proof of income, disability verification, or housing information.

At Individual Home Care, we often work with these offices on behalf of our clients — helping coordinate communication, ensuring forms are correctly submitted, and answering follow-up questions that arise during the process.

Nassau County Department of Social Services

For families and individuals living in Nassau County, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is your local hub for Medicaid services. This agency is responsible for processing new applications, managing renewals, and addressing any issues that come up with eligibility or coverage.

We’ve helped many Nassau County residents successfully apply for Medicaid waivers and home care benefits by working alongside DSS to ensure documentation is complete and accurate. If you're unsure about what to bring or how to format your application, our team at Individual Home Care is here to help walk you through every step.

Suffolk County Department of Social Services

If you’re located in Suffolk County, the DSS office serves a similar role to Nassau's — but with its own procedures, locations, and contact points. Because Medicaid requirements can vary slightly between counties, it's important to use the correct office based on your home address.

Suffolk DSS accepts Medicaid-related paperwork in person, by mail, or through community drop-off events. When you’re working with Individual Home Care, we can help make sure your materials are delivered properly and follow up to ensure that nothing gets lost or delayed in the process.

Area Agencies on Aging: Help for Seniors and Family Caregivers

In addition to Medicaid offices, many families can benefit from reaching out to their local Area Agency on Aging. These agencies specialize in services for older adults and their caregivers, including:

• Support with Medicaid waiver applications

• Information on long-term care options

• Caregiver support programs

• Benefits counseling

These agencies are especially valuable for those seeking home care services under programs like NHTD or TBI, where age and functional limitations play a role in eligibility. While they do not make Medicaid determinations directly, they can offer valuable insight and connect you with local partners, including Individual Home Care, who can provide further assistance.

We frequently collaborate with these agencies to help seniors maintain their independence while receiving the support they need at home. If you’re unsure where to begin or need guidance about how to coordinate care for an aging loved one, this can be a helpful place to start.

Why Local Contacts Matter

Having the right contact information at your fingertips can save hours of phone calls, stress, and second-guessing. When it comes to Medicaid — especially waiver programs — missing a single document or deadline can delay the care you need. That’s why Individual Home Care prioritizes making this process as smooth and transparent as possible.

We maintain close communication with Medicaid offices, caseworkers, and other local partners so that our clients stay informed and supported from start to finish. Our team is familiar with the nuances of each county’s process and can help troubleshoot if anything gets off track.

How Individual Home Care Supports You

As a trusted provider of home and community-based services under New York’s Medicaid waiver programs, Individual Home Care offers more than just care — we offer guidance. When you reach out to us for help with your Medicaid journey, you’re not just getting assistance with paperwork. You're getting a partner who understands the system, knows the key players in your area, and can advocate on your behalf.

We routinely help our clients:

• Gather and organize required documents

• Communicate with their local DSS office

• Navigate NYIA assessments and eligibility processes

• Coordinate with service coordinators and social workers

• Understand the next steps for waiver services

Whether you're in Nassau, Suffolk, or another New York county, our goal is to make sure you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Next Steps: Ready to Get Support?

You’ve already taken a meaningful step by exploring our financial and planning tools. Whether you’re considering a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, comparing long-term care options, or seeking an elder law referral, it’s important to have the right support.

If you’d like help interpreting any of these resources — or you’re ready to talk through your specific situation contact us here. The team at Individual Home Care is here to help you move forward with confidence.