NHTD and TBI Waiver Services in New York: What Families Need to Know in 2026

New York State’s NHTD (Nursing Home Transition and Diversion) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Waiver programs offer a critical alternative to institutional care. For individuals with physical disabilities or brain injuries who want to live independently in the community, these programs fund a range of home and community-based services — but navigating enrollment, eligibility, and provider selection can be complex.

This guide covers what families and individuals need to know about NHTD and TBI Waiver services in New York in 2026, and how Priority Groups LLC can help.

What Are the NHTD and TBI Waiver Programs?

Both waivers are Medicaid-funded programs administered by the New York State Department of Health. They allow eligible individuals to receive long-term care services in their home or community rather than in a nursing facility.

NHTD Waiver serves adults 18 and older with physical disabilities who are at risk of nursing home placement or who are transitioning out of a nursing facility.
TBI Waiver serves individuals 18 and older who have sustained a traumatic brain injury and need support services to live independently.

Both programs are available in all five NYC boroughs, Westchester County, Long Island, and Monroe County (Rochester region).

Services Covered Under the Waivers

Approved waiver services vary by individual need but commonly include:

  • Personal care assistance (help with daily activities)
  • Home health aide services
  • Community integration counseling
  • Skilled nursing visits
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy coordination
  • Assistive technology and home modifications
  • Transportation for medical appointments
  • Caregiver training

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for either waiver, applicants generally must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be eligible for Medicaid
  • Have a documented physical disability (NHTD) or traumatic brain injury diagnosis (TBI)
  • Require a nursing facility level of care
  • Be able to safely live in the community with waiver supports
  • Not currently be enrolled in another Medicaid long-term care program

The eligibility determination involves a clinical assessment (typically conducted through your local Department of Health office or a Regional Resource Development Center).

How to Apply for NHTD or TBI Waiver Services in NYC

1. Contact your local Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) — these centers manage waiver enrollment in each region of NY
2. Complete a Medicaid application if not already enrolled
3. Undergo a clinical eligibility assessment — a care manager or social worker will conduct this
4. Select a service coordinator — once approved, you’ll choose a waiver service coordinator who helps build your care plan
5. Choose approved service providers — Priority Groups LLC is an approved NHTD/TBI waiver provider

Priority Groups — NHTD and TBI Waiver Services in NYC and Monroe County

Priority Groups LLC has served waiver participants across New York since our founding. We provide waiver-funded home care and personal care aide services for individuals enrolled in the NHTD and TBI programs.

Service areas:

  • All five NYC boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island)
  • Westchester County
  • Monroe County (Rochester and surrounding areas)
  • Nassau and Suffolk County (Long Island)

What sets us apart:

  • Dedicated waiver care coordinators who work with your existing service coordinator
  • Bilingual staff — Spanish, Creole, French, Arabic
  • Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
  • Consistent caregiver assignment so you’re not meeting someone new every visit

MLTC and Other Long-Term Care Options

If the NHTD or TBI Waiver doesn’t apply to your situation, you may be eligible for services through a Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plan — another Medicaid-funded program that covers personal care, home health aide services, and community-based supports for adults who need long-term care but want to remain at home.

Priority Groups also accepts participants through MLTC plans including VNSNY CHOICE, Fidelis Care, and others operating in the NYC metro area.

Ready to Get Started?

If you or a loved one may qualify for NHTD Waiver, TBI Waiver, or MLTC services in New York, contact Priority Groups today for a free eligibility consultation.

Call: (718) 400-6166
Website: prioritygroups.org/ny/
Office locations: Bronx, NY and Newark, NJ

Our intake team can answer your questions, help you understand your options, and connect you with the right services — whether you’re starting the application process or transitioning from another provider.