If your senior parent wants to stay in their home as they get older you may be wondering how to pay for home care to help them live safely at home. How to pay for home care is something a lot of family caregivers and seniors need to talk about when they are deciding what type of living arrangement is best for the future.
Studies show that the majority of seniors are happier and healthier when they can remain in their homes as they get older. However, falls and injuries, medical problems, and mobility challenges can mean that seniors must have home care to be safe aging in place.
If you and your senior parent have questions about how to pay for home care and you’re wondering if insurance covers the cost of home care for seniors these facts about paying for home care will help you make a more informed decision:
Medicare Covers Only Health-Related Home Care
Most seniors have Medicare coverage, but Medicare does not cover the full cost of home care for seniors. To qualify for Medicare-covered home care a senior must be homebound and require skilled care, such as nursing or therapy services. Additionally, the home care agency providing services must be Medicare-certified. Medicare also only covers certain types of home care and for set periods.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federally-funded program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals. Medicaid may cover a broader range of home care services compared to Medicare. Each state has its own Medicaid program with specific eligibility criteria and coverage options. Some states offer home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers, which can include personal care services provided at home. But, you or your senior parent would still need to figure out how to pay for home care services that Medicaid doesn’t cover.
Private Health Insurance
Whether or not private health insurance covers the cost of home care depends on the type of insurance your senior parent has, who the provider is, and what the limits of the policy are. Some insurance companies will cover home care only if it’s medically necessary. Others won’t cover any home care at all. Some may cover a portion of the cost of home care but only after the policy’s deductible is met. It’s a good idea to find your senior parent’s policy information and call someone at the insurance company to discuss the options available for your senior parent.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is designed to cover the costs of long-term care services, including home care. If your senior parent has a long-term care insurance policy this type of policy usually will pay for skilled or unskilled home care.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans may be eligible for home care services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA provides various programs that offer in-home care assistance to eligible veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit for those who need assistance with activities of daily living.
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that provides comprehensive medical and social services to individuals who are eligible for nursing home care but wish to remain in their homes. PACE programs may cover home care services, including personal care, nursing, and therapy. You should talk to a Medicaid specialist in your senior parent’s state to find out more about PACE in that state.
State and Local Programs
If your senior parent doesn’t have any other way to pay for home care there may be state or regional programs that offer grants or subsidies to help with the costs of home care.
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