HOPE Waiver for Individuals Living in their Homes
Individuals must meet all eligibility criteria to qualify for South Dakota Medicaid. The Home & Community-Based Options and Person Centered Excellence (HOPE) Waiver is a joint waiver between the Division of Long Term Services and Supports of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Social Services. It allows for home and community-based services to be provided to individuals at risk for institutionalization. Individuals may be eligible for Structured Family Caregiving, which is a shared living arrangement that offers participants an opportunity to reside with a primary/principal caregiver in the participant's own home or in the home of the primary caregiver. Eligibility Requirements
A person must be 65 years or older. If under age 65, a person must be blind or disabled.
A person must be a resident of South Dakota and meet certain citizenship requirements of the United States.
Medical needs of the individual are such that they require a level of care provided in a nursing home.
The monthly income limit is 300 percent of the SSI Standard Benefit Amount. ($2,982 in 2026).
The resource limit is $2,000. Resources include items such as checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Other information can be found here: Department of Human Services Long Term Services and Supports .