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Home Care Agencies vs Independent Caregivers

Does Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?

March 7, 2022

Medicaid is a government-funded program that helps millions of people pay for healthcare costs, but does Medicaid pay for in-home care? Luckily, Illinois state offers coverage, and you may qualify. Follow this step-by-step guide to enroll in the program, as well as to learn about the program’s benefits.

Does Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?

Yes, Medicaid covers the costs of in-home care in all 50 states. The Federal Government establishes certain criteria, but it gives states substantial discretion in the services they provide. This is especially true for home care.

Medicaid’s home care services are state-administered. Each state has different requirements for eligibility. Each state establishes its asset and income limits because Medicaid is only available to low-income persons. In the state of Illinois, Care Coordination Units (or CCUs) determine eligibility.

What Are Eligibility Requirements for Receiving in Home Care? (As Determined by IDOA)

These are the general requirements as defined by the Illinois Department on Aging. However, there may be exceptions in place for elder care services. The best practice is to apply for elder care services through a home care agency like Home Care Powered by AUAF. A Care Coordination Unit can assess your eligibility more clearly than you can. However, as a rule of thumb, the requirements are as followed. You must:

  • Be 60 years old or older
  • Hold U.S. citizenship
  • Be a resident of Illinois
  • Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (your home, car, or personal furnishings are classified as exempt assets.)
  • Have an assessed need that qualifies for Medicaid for long-term care (at risk for nursing facility placement) as measured by the Determination of Need (DON) assessment.

Does Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?

The Role of Care Coordination Unit/CCU

It’s critical to note that home care providers in Illinois act as a link between the Government and clients. Home Care Powered by AUAF trains and deploys home caregivers. However, a Care Coordination Unit, or CCU, determines whether or not an individual qualifies for assistance through Medicaid or other methods.

How to Apply for Medicaid Through a Home Care Agency

Home care agencies like Home Care Powered by AUAF are the best place to approach getting home care aides for your older adults. These services are available on a case-by-case basis under an expert case manager. Though it may take a little time, this is what the process will look like:

  • An evaluation by the state to determine what kind of home care services is necessary for the elder.
  • The older adult will answer some financial questions to qualify for the program. A care plan is created depending on the level of assistance for the elder. This plan contains a detailed description of the required services and the number of hours per week the in-home caregiver will provide.
  • The home care agency is notified, and an at-home caregiver is scheduled.
  • The older person has the final approval of the caregiver that provides them services.
  • The care plan is updated annually, but it can be adjusted as necessary to meet changing needs.

Community Care Program Services

The Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program was established in 1979 by Public Act 81-202. It assists older adults who may otherwise require nursing home care may continue to live at home by offering both in-home and community-based services. This care is entirely non-medical.

The following are some of the Medicaid-funded Community Care Program’s services.

Home care and personal care services:

These are two forms of non-medical care, or custodial assistance, that is offered to help carry out a senior’s everyday tasks or instrumental activities of daily living. Bathing, grooming, eating, and mobility are examples of this type of service. In general, Medicaid may pay for in-home personal care in several states.

Housekeeping services :

Apart from this, the Homecare aides also assist with services, including basic household chores like cleaning, laundry, shopping for food, and other essentials.

Home Care Powered by AUAF has all the non-medical care services you need!

Medicaid Payments to Family Members for Providing Home Care

For quite some time, the government and state governments have recognized the importance of family members providing unpaid care for the elderly. In a few states in the Medicaid fund system, pilot government programs known as “Cash and Counseling” were launched in the mid-1990s.

The Medicaid office found that many people were struggling to take care of their elderly relatives while also working full-time. So, the office decided to offer financial assistance to family caregivers. This would help take care of two problems at the same time.

In the years since the term cash and counseling has been replaced in many places by “consumer-directed care” or “self-directed care.” The Cash and Counseling Program is now part of the Community Care Program through the Illinois Department of Aging in Illinois.

Documentation Required for Prospective Caregivers Includes a Copy of:

  • Social Security Card
  • Medicaid or Medicare card
  • State ID with updated address
  • High School Diploma or Experience Certificate

You’ll also need to complete the required (paid!) training and meet with agency staff to discuss your family’s care plan. Especially determining what type of services you’ll provide and how many hours per week or month you’ll spend. Ready to go? Call Home Care Powered by AUAF at 773-274-9262 today.

Learn More about How to become a caregiver for family members.

Home Care Powered by AUAF — Elderly Care Services

Our in-home caregivers get training to meet you or your loved one’s needs in various tasks. We have been a trusted home care agency for over 25 years. Above all, Home Care Powered by AUAF can provide the elderly care services you and your loved ones need.

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