no wrong door

The No Wrong Door (NWD) System initiative is a collaborative effort of ACL, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The NWD System initiative builds upon the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) program and CMS’ Balancing Incentive Program No Wrong Door requirements that support state efforts to streamline access to long-term services and support (LTSS) options for older adults and individuals with disabilities. NWD Systems simplify access to LTSS, and are a key component of LTSS systems reform.

Finding the right services can be daunting for individuals and their family members. The current LTSS system involves numerous funding streams, and is administered by multiple federal, state, and local agencies. These agencies use complex, fragmented, and often duplicative intake, assessment, and eligibility processes. There are growing options for services and supports in home, residential, and institutional settings. Individuals trying to access new LTSS frequently find themselves confronted with a maze of agencies, organizations, and bureaucratic requirements at a time when they may be vulnerable or in crisis. These issues frequently lead to the use of the most expensive forms of care, including institutional care such as nursing homes or extended hospitalization, and can cause a person to quickly exhaust their resources.

NWD systems provide information and assistance not only to individuals needing either public or private resources, but also to professionals seeking assistance on behalf of their clients and to individuals planning for their future long-term care needs. NWD systems also serve as the entry point to publicly administered long-term supports, including those funded under Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, Veterans Health Administration, and state revenue programs.

State and local leaders can learn about building capacity in the No Wrong Door National Key Elements (PDF, 2.05MB).

Find a collection of resources that describe the federal NWD vision and strategies to build the capacity of state NWD Systems.