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If you or someone you love has reached a stage of their life where they require in-home care, one of the most concerning challenges you’ll face is figuring out how to pay for that care. Thankfully Medicaid does cover in-home care, but there is more to it than that.
This guide explains the Medicaid coverage for in-home care, the requirements you must meet to get that coverage, and much more. So keep reading to learn more about Medicaid and in-home care.
The short answer to whether or not Medicaid covers in-home care is yes. In every state within the United States, Medicaid will cover in-home care costs to at least some degree. However, before you seek in-home care with the assumption that Medicaid will cover it entirely, you should learn about the requirements you must meet to receive Medicaid coverage for the in-home care you seek.
Before you seek Medicaid coverage for in-home care, it is important to ensure that you meet all the requirements of your state to ensure that you receive the coverage you need. The specific requirements for Medicaid Eligibility vary by state, but the sections below should give you a general idea of what those requirements could include.
Medicaid eligibility is available only to those who can demonstrate that they have a low income. As indicated above, the threshold for what designates an individual as low-income will vary depending on the state in which you live.
For example, if you live in Washington and require assistance with activities of daily living that you would like to have covered by Medicaid, you must make less than $914 per month. By contrast, someone living in Florida must make less than $1,084 to qualify for coverage for similar services.
In addition to income thresholds, you’ll also find that there are asset limits for each state as well. As such, it is important that you retrieve accurate information about both your monthly income and the value of your current assets before you apply for Medicaid coverage for in-home care.
After ensuring that you meet the financial requirements for Medicaid-covered in-home care, the next most important factor to consider is your medical need requirement, which is also known as your level of care need. Simply put, this requirement is all about showing that you are able to remain living in your home but that you also need assistance in doing so.
For example, if you need assistance with standing, sitting, or lying down, you are likely a good candidate for in-home care. Additionally, if you have difficulty completing tasks like laundry, cooking, eating, bathing, or using the toilet, you will also benefit from in-home care.
As was true regarding financial requirements, distinct differences in medical need requirements will vary by state. There may be some instances in which the state may deem you capable enough not to require in-home care. Additionally, there may be cases in which your situation requires a greater level of care and attention than what can be provided via in-home care.
Getting Medicaid coverage for your in-home care is not just about making sure you qualify based on your state’s requirements. You’ll also be tasked with the challenge of finding an in-home care provider that works for you.
When searching for an in-home care provider, there are many factors that you’ll need to consider. One of the most important of those factors is whether or not that provider will accept your Medicaid coverage as payment for their services.
In-home care providers vary in their quality and their willingness to accept Medicaid. Since that is the case, you should be sure to ask providers what their policy regarding Medicaid is. Asking this question upfront will help you narrow down your choices when selecting the best in-home care.
At times, you may find it difficult to find an in-home care provider that offers both the quality of service you desire while also accepting Medicaid. However, you’ll be happy to know that there is an alternative to hiring an in-home care provider that may be easier for you and your family.
Self-directed care is an in-home care alternative that appeals to many who require such assistance. Rather than hiring an in-home care service provider, those who opt for self-directed care will be responsible for selecting the specific services they need as well as hiring the person who will perform those services.
In many cases, those who choose self-directed care have an adult relative who is available, capable, and willing to provide in-home care. However, the person you hire as a part of your self-directed care system does not need to be a family member.
The guidelines for self-directed care vary based on where you live. However, in most situations, Medicaid will help to cover self-directed care programs.
Self-directed care is an excellent option for someone who has the time and energy to manage and facilitate their own care. It is also a great choice if you are having trouble finding quality care providers who accept Medicaid coverage.
With that said, self-directed care requires you to be more involved with organization and decision-making than traditional means of in-home care. Since that is the case, make sure that you are ready and able to take on that responsibility when considering self-directed care for yourself.
Funding your in-home care is a crucial step in the process, and for many, learning that Medicaid does cover in-home care is a great relief. However, along with figuring out how to pay for in-home care, you’ll also want to focus on finding the right care provider for you. After all, not all providers are equally capable of providing the care you need. At Fedelta Home Care, we provide top-of-the-line in-home care throughout Washington and Oregon. If you are in our region and are interested in learning more about the services we can offer you, reach out to us today to start a conversation.
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