By Kristin Crandall

Most people prefer to stay in their homes as they age, even when coping with daily life tasks such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and household chores become difficult. Being the caretaker for elderly loved ones who wish to remain at home and remain as independent as possible can be challenging and stressful. However, placement in a nursing home or other care facility can range anywhere from $200 to $400 per day.

Fortunately, there are other ways to pay for home care.

  • Medicaid. Medicaid is a state-managed program that covers the cost of home care services for low-income individuals.
  • Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). CDPAP is a Medicaid program that allows Medicaid homecare consumers to recruit and hire a caregiver of choice, including most family members.
  • Medicare. Medicare covers the cost of medically-necessary home healthcare on a limited basis for individuals unable to leave home without assistance. Medicare covers skilled services, such as physical therapy and skilled nursing, but does not pay for companion and personal care services. However, Medicare Advantage plans may provide some limited coverage.
  • PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid initiative aimed at keeping frail seniors out of nursing homes. A PACE care team may decide to cover the cost of home care, even if it is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
  • Private or Commercial Insurance. Home health coverage is often provided if someone chooses to purchase a separate home healthcare rider as part of their private insurance plan. It is important to review your individual insurance policy for specific coverage details.
  • Veterans Programs. Veteran’s benefits may cover home care services for eligible former service members and their spouses, including aid and attendance, housebound benefits, veteran-directed care and homemaker and home health aide care.
  • Private Pay. Home care services can be paid for directly by patients and families. Often, this comes from savings, annuities, investments, life insurance policies, and borrowing.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance. Many have long-term care insurance policies that may cover home care. However, some policies only cover medically necessary care for assistance with daily living activities. Check your policy to determine what it covers.
  • Taxes. Consult your tax expert to determine tax deductions for paying for home care.

Home care benefits and eligibility requirements vary greatly by plan and state, so it is important to check your policy’s provisions. Health Force helps individuals and families determine the cost and exact number of care hours required for each unique situation, as well as your eligibility for reimbursement through worker’s compensation, automobile insurance funds, health savings, and flexible spending accounts. Visit www.healthforcewny.com or call 716-855-2273 (CARE) to learn more.

Kristin Crandall, Area Specialist of Business Development at Health Force, works with individuals and their loved ones to determine the appropriate level of care required for each person’s unique situation.