Medicaid New Choices Waiver Bridge Program
Many low-income Utah seniors qualify for long-term Medicaid support—but can’t afford the short waiting period required to access it. Golden Gap Foundation provides short-term bridge support so seniors can move into safe assisted living while benefits are finalized.
What Is the New Choices Waiver?
Utah’s New Choices Waiver helps eligible individuals transition from settings like nursing facilities—or prevent unnecessary placement— by supporting care services that can include assisted living or in-home care. For qualifying seniors, this support can create stability, safety, and dignity.
But approval and placement can take time. During that waiting period, seniors may remain in unsafe homes, rely on exhausted family members, or cycle through hospitals—not because they don’t qualify, but because they can’t afford the temporary gap.
How Golden Gap Helps
- ✔ Short-term bridge funding to cover assisted living costs while Medicaid support is pending
- ✔ Support for safe placement during benefits processing delays
- ✔ Focused assistance for low-income seniors who already appear likely to qualify
- ✔ Clear, donor-funded support that prioritizes dignity, safety, and stability
Bridge Support (Temporary)
Our assistance is designed to be temporary—helping cover the gap while a qualifying senior’s New Choices Waiver eligibility and placement are processed and finalized.
Direct Impact
Donations help cover the monthly difference between a resident’s income and the cost of assisted living during the bridge period.
Who This Program Serves
This program is intended for low-income Utah seniors who need assistance paying for assisted living while New Choices Waiver support is pending.
- Utah resident (and typically age 65+ or otherwise eligible based on program requirements)
- Need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or supervision for safety
- Low income and limited resources consistent with Medicaid guidelines
- An immediate need for assisted living or safe care placement
Note: Final eligibility is determined by the State of Utah / Medicaid program administrators. Golden Gap Foundation does not determine Medicaid eligibility, but may provide bridge support based on preliminary indicators and program criteria.
How It Works
Apply for Help
Submit a request through our assistance application. We’ll gather basic information about care needs, income/resources, and the current safety situation.
Review for Bridge Support
Our team reviews the request to confirm the situation fits the purpose of bridge funding and aligns with program guidelines. We prioritize urgent safety needs.
Bridge Funding Begins
If approved, we provide short-term financial help to support safe assisted living during the waiver waiting period. Support may be time-limited and may require periodic check-ins.
Transition to Long-Term Stability
Once the New Choices Waiver begins (or another long-term care funding source activates), the senior transitions off bridge support, creating room to help the next person.
Your Gift Creates Immediate Safety
$250 helps cover one week of assisted living support
$1,250 helps cover one month of care
Your donation helps a senior access safe assisted living now—while the Medicaid process catches up. It’s temporary support with long-term impact.
Donate NowKnow a Senior Who Needs Help?
If you know a senior who may need bridge support to access safe assisted living, direct them to our assistance page.
Contact Us
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