Home Health Experiences During COVID-19: A Phenomenological Inquiry of Medicaid Community Choices Waiver Service Users

The Wyoming Community Choices Waiver (CCW) is a Medicaid program jointly funded by federal and state monies that provides home-based health services and support to people who meet Medicaid income criteria and are 19-64 years old with a physical disability or 65 years and older with or without a physical disability. The Wyoming CCW program is designed to provide person-centered care options, autonomy, and community health support to service users. Currently, there is little information about how Wyoming CCW service users have been experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Global and national studies have noted that people who are navigating life with lower economic means at an older age or with physical disabilities may face additional barriers to the medical care they need. This exploratory research study utilized a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology to gain insights into the lived experiences of individuals who are current CCW service users in the state of Wyoming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through in-depth interviews, CCW service users shared the many ways they have responded to COVID-19's disruptions with adaptability and resilience.