Does Idaho Pay For In-Home Care?

Idaho does pay for in-home care in some cases. The state provides some financial assistance to seniors requiring in-home care if they meet certain eligibility criteria. Payment is made through the Idaho Medicaid system, which pays for medical in-home care services and some support services to enable eligible seniors to remain in their own homes.

To qualify for any of the Medicaid programs, seniors must be 65 years or older, be residents of Idaho, meet certain income requirements and need nursing home-level care. The HCBS Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver pays for medical services and environmental modifications to prevent the need for nursing home placement. It’s not an entitlement program, and it often has a long waiting list.

The Personal Care Services Program is a support services program that helps seniors safely remain in their own homes. Services may include assistance with bathing and dressing, meal preparation and grocery shopping. All service providers must be registered with Medicaid. Seniors must undergo an assessment to work out which services will be covered.

Options are available in Idaho for seniors who don’t qualify for Medicaid assistance based on medical needs or income guidelines. The Idaho Commission on Aging operates the Homemaker Services Program. This program covers the costs of providing assistance with some tasks of daily living on a short-term or long-term basis. Services that may be covered include grocery shopping, medication management and meal planning. Restricted assistance may be available for bathing and hair washing, depending on circumstances.

Seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to find out about other programs that may be available in their area. Some charities and support services offer assistance to seniors wanting to remain in their own homes.