Does Mississippi Pay For In-Home Care?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

The state of Mississippi pays for in-home care for some seniors. However, eligibility rules vary depending on the waiver program. Seniors must meet specific income, resource eligibility and health requirements to receive funding for in-home care. Mississippi seniors looking for funding for in-home care can apply to one of two waiver programs that help cover the cost of this care.

Independent Living Waiver Program

Mississippi’s Division of Medicaid and the Department of Rehabilitation Services work together to oversee the state’s Independent Living Waiver Program. This program is designed for individuals who, without the program, would require full-time nursing care.

Eligible recipients of this waiver must have severe orthopedic and neurological impairments to qualify. They also must be Medicaid eligible, receiving Supplementary Security Income (SSI) or other Medicaid services. If approved, seniors can obtain in-home care through the Independent Living Waiver Program.

Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program

The Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program is managed by Mississippi’s Office of Long-Term Care. Registered nurses and social workers collaborate to screen individuals to determine whether they are medically eligible to receive in-home care. They also must meet income requirements to qualify. Seniors must be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and must not have an income higher than 300% of SSI. Once approved, several services can be provided for qualifying seniors, including in-home care.