Who qualifies
OKDHS says you must meet three tests:
- Age or disability. Be 65 or older, or an adult 19 to 64 with a physical or other disability, without an intellectual disability or a related cognitive impairment.
- Medical need. Need nursing facility level of care, as determined by a registered nurse, and at least one ADvantage service each month to stay out of a facility (OAC 317:35-17-3).
- Finances. Qualify for SoonerCare. OKDHS Appendix C-1, Schedule VIII.B sets the income standard for ADvantage at 300 percent of the SSI federal benefit rate, with a resource limit in Schedule VIII.D.
Your care at home also can't cost SoonerCare more per year than nursing facility care would for you.
What ADvantage covers
OAC 317:35-17-3 lists case management, personal care, consumer-directed personal assistance (CDPASS), respite, adult day health, skilled nursing, home-delivered meals, home modifications, medical equipment and supplies, therapy, a personal emergency response system, assisted living, remote supports, assistive technology, help moving out of an institution, prescription drugs within waiver limits, and regular SoonerCare medical services for members 19 and older.
Slots and the waiting list
The waiver can serve only the number of people its federal approval allows each waiver year. OAC 317:35-17-4 says waitlist procedures start when that maximum is reached. As slots open, people on the list are processed. Applying is how you get on the list.
How to apply
- Pick providers. OKDHS suggests using its Provider Search to choose a home care agency and a case management agency in your county first.
- Apply online or by phone. Use the online application on the OKDHS ADvantage page, or call 1-800-435-4711 to set up a phone application. Family, friends or health professionals can apply for you.
- Have the nurse assessment. An OKDHS nurse assesses whether you need nursing facility level of care.
- Complete the SoonerCare financial application. If you don't already have SoonerCare, OKDHS checks your income and resources.
How ADvantage fits with Medicare
Medicare still pays first for doctors, hospitals and Part D drugs. ADvantage adds long-term services Medicare doesn't cover. Keep in mind that Oklahoma can seek estate recovery for home and community-based services received at 55 or older; see Oklahoma estate recovery. Read also who pays for nursing homes, SoonerCare and Medicare together, the ADvantage waiver guide and the SoonerCare and Medicare guide. For questions about your Medicare plan, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Sources
- Oklahoma Human Services — ADvantage Waiver
- OHCA — OAC 317:35-17-3, ADvantage program services
- OHCA — OAC 317:35-17-4, Application for ADvantage services
- OHCA — OAC 317:35-17-1, Overview of long-term medical care services
- OKDHS — Appendix C-1 (7/1/2026), Schedule VIII
- Medicare.gov — Long-term care
More questions in this guide
- Can I have SoonerCare and Medicare at the same time?
- Can I have SoonerCare and a Medicare Advantage plan?
- Does Medicare or SoonerCare pay for a nursing home in Oklahoma?
- Does SoonerCare pay my Medicare premiums?
- What is a D-SNP in Oklahoma?
Part of the guide: SoonerCare and Medicare: a guide for Oklahoma dual eligibles · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Is ADvantage the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. ADvantage is a SoonerCare waiver for long-term care at home or in assisted living. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a Medicare health plan sold by private companies. You can have both.
Is there a waiting list for ADvantage?
There can be. OAC 317:35-17-3 says that when OKDHS Community Living, Aging and Protective Services finds all ADvantage slots are filled, a new applicant can't be certified and goes on a waiting list until a slot opens.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Oklahoma?
No. Medicare doesn't cover long-term custodial care or assisted living rent. ADvantage can pay for assisted living services in a certified ADvantage assisted living center if you qualify, and you put part of your income toward the cost.
Do I pay copays for ADvantage services?
OHCA's rule OAC 317:35-17-1 says ADvantage members have no copayment for ADvantage services, except prescription drugs.
Medicare in your Oklahoma county
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