Unfortunately private health insurances, medicare, or supplemental insurance does not typically pay for caregivers in the home. In this article, we explore different types of services, and payer sources. We also explain options to consider as you plan for the future.
Medical Home Health vs. Non-Medical Home Care
Medical Home Health Care Services are “skilled” services at home, such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Nursing. Firstly, to be eligible for Home Health Care, you must have a doctor’s order. Secondly, home health is a short term service, where the nurses and therapists follow a specific care plan from the doctor. Lastly, they do not stay in the home multiple hours per day. Typically, home health agencies have Nursing, Social Work, Nutritionist, Therapy, and more to aid their patients in their care needs. Medicare and private insurances typically cover this service, so that the patient does not end up paying for Skilled Care. For more information read “What’s Home Health Care” at Medicaid.gov
Care-giving or In-Home Care Services are non-medical or “non-skilled” services. These services are provided by specially trained care-givers, and include assistance with bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, skin care, etc. These care-givers are also able to assist with housekeeping tasks, meal preparation, medication assistance, mind-engagement activities, games, errands, shopping, transportation, companionship, and more. The client picks their schedule and duration, and then the company tailors the client’s care to what he or she asks for. Furthermore, no doctor’s order is needed for in home care. For this reason, families simply contact the company of their choice, and begin the sign up process.
Although home care is considered “non-skilled”, any home care agency who performs personal care in the State of TN, must be licensed and monitored by the state.
Paying For Care In The Home
Private Pay: Most people pay for home care on a private pay basis. Grace Givers provides competitive rates, and also works with families to customize the most cost effective care plan to suit their needs.
Long Term Care Insurance: Long Term Care refers to a host of services that aren’t covered by regular health insurance. This includes assistance with routine daily activities, like bathing, dressing or getting in and out of bed. Long Term Care Policies pick up the cost for things like custodial care, which includes supervision and help with day-to-day tasks, as well as long term stays in care facilities. For more information visit: AARP: Understanding Long Term Care Insurance or LongTermCare.gov –
VA: The VA offers programs to Veteran’s to help assist with the costs of home care. Contact us to learn more or visit VA.Gov’s Aid and Attendance .
Medicaid (TennCare Choices): To be eligible for Medicaid you must meet certain requirements, specifically having income and assets that do not exceed the levels used by your state. Visit the TennCare Choices page to learn more. Those who use TennCare choices do risk Estate Recovery by the State of TN. Learn More Here .
Area Agency On Aging: The Area Agency on Aging offers programs to help those who qualify for in-home care and adult day care. Typically these programs range from 2-4 hours per week of home making or personal care services at home, and 4-8 hours per week at the day center. Click here to learn more about all of the services offered from the AAAD.
EEOICPA: Claimants who satisfy the requirements of The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) will receive a lump sum payment as well as full medical benefits to compensate for their incurred illnesses or sicknesses. These medical benefits cover the costs of treatment and prescription medications, but they also cover the costs associated with home care. These services are provided free of charge by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) in recognition of the many workers who have become ill as a result of exposure to deadly radioactive materials. To begin receiving the home care that you or a loved one deserves, it is important to begin the process of filing a claim as soon as possible
If you already have this card, then you are already approved to receive no-cost medical benefits! Call us to get started today!
Paying for care for a long period of time can become difficult. Call us today to learn more about financial assistance for in home care.