Figuring out how to pay for Home Health Care can be a frustrating experience. Most agencies will accept a variety of payment options. Here is a basic guide to point you in the right direction for finding a way to pay for home health care services.
Private Pay:
Many agencies accept private pay for their services. The rates for services are typically dependent on the numbers of hours of care needed, the type/level of care, and geographic location. Since these prices can vary by agency, make sure to contact the agencies directly to discuss private pay options.
Veterans Affairs:
If you or loved ones served in the military, he or she may qualify for Veterans Administration (VA) health care benefits. Home and community-based services, such as home care and home health services are some of the services that may be covered by VA healthcare benefits. If you are eligible for VA health care benefits, you may want to contact the VA to determine which home health care services can be covered by those benefits. For more information about VA health care benefits look here https://www.va.gov/health-care/?from=explore.va.gov
Medicare:
If you meet the eligibility requirements, Medicare may pay for home health services. The Medicare home health benefit is intended to assist with the costs of care associated with short-term and intermittent home health services. As a result, if you are looking for long-term home health care services for a chronic health condition that is unlikely to improve, you may want to seek alternatives to Medicare. Medicare will cover skilled services such as nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Non-skilled services (such as home health aide services) may also be covered if it is considered necessary in addition to skilled services. To see eligibility requirements check here https://eligibility.com/medicare/medicare-eligibility-requirements.
Medicaid Waivers/Community HealthChoices:
Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program covers home health care services for individuals that meet the eligibility requirements. If you have a qualifying health condition and meet the income requirements, you may be eligible to be enrolled in a “waiver” which will cover the costs of home health care services. It should be noted that between 2018-2020 these waivers are being replaced by something called Community HealthChoices (CHC). CHC is Pennsylvania’s managed care program. CHC will begin in NEPA in January 2020. CHC covers all of the benefits now covered by the waivers. To find more information about enrolling in CHC check here http://www.healthchoices.pa.gov/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/document/c_268122.pdf
Long-term Care Insurance:
Long-term care insurance is an insurance product that can be used to pay for the cost of care associated with chronic health conditions and other disabilities. This type of insurance can be used to pay for care in a variety of settings such as your home and facility-based settings such as a nursing home. However, the best time to purchase long-term care insurance is before you need it. If you already need long-term care, it can be difficult to purchase a long-term care insurance policy. Find out more about long-term care insurance here: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2018/long-term-care-insurance-fd.html
Private Health Insurance:
There are some private health insurance plans that will cover or contribute to the costs of home care and home health services. Make sure to check with your insurance policy provider to find out what services they may cover.
This guide is meant to provide a general overview. Do not be afraid to contact local home health care agencies to discuss funding options. Many local agencies have professionals that can walk you through this process.
NEPA Home Health 