Does Kansas Pay For In-home Care?

Kansas pays for some in-home care services through Medicaid called KanCare. The Senior Care Act provides in-home care for eligible seniors with a demonstrated need, and recipients may contribute to costs based on their income. The Older Americans Act also offers in-home care and additional benefits such as legal aid and nutrition counseling.

These services support eligible individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and would otherwise require nursing home care. In-home care also assists with household activities like shopping and housekeeping, which is less intensive than home health care. These services aim to help individuals live independently in their homes and communities. These benefits in Kansas, along with the various highly ranked medical facilities in the state, make it an attractive destination for senior citizens.

Kansas Medicaid covers in-home care if you meet the financial and eligibility requirements for KanCare, which depends on economic criteria and other factors. These services are meant to assist with medical needs and help eligible individuals maintain their daily activities. In-home care services may overlap with home health care services, which may also be covered in some circumstances. KanCare covers certain in-home care costs through the Senior Care Act (SCA) and Older Americans Act (OAA) waiver programs. If in-home care is deemed medically necessary and costs the same or less than nursing home care, it may be covered by KanCare.

To be eligible for KanCare Medicaid in Kansas, individuals must meet financial requirements. For example, any income above $2,523 per month must go towards care costs, and asset limits must not cross $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples. In addition, to be eligible for Medicaid, you must be a Kansas resident, a U.S. citizen/permanent resident/legal alien, and in need of health care assistance at the time of application. Individuals must also meet one of the following criteria: 65 or older, pregnant, blind, disabled, caring for a disabled family member, or responsible for a child 18 or younger. Supplemental Security Income recipients automatically qualify for KanCare.

Medicaid covers:

• Physical Therapists for recovery from injuries and treatment of conditions,
• Visiting Nurses for regular medical services like wound care,
• Occupational Therapists for assistance with daily tasks, and
• Speech Therapists for communication issues.

These services may overlap with nonmedical in-home care, also referred to as home health care, and must be prescribed by a treating physician to be covered by Medicaid. Medicaid coverage only lasts as long as the treating physician and home health care agency deem it necessary for the patient.