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Does New Jersey Pay For In-Home Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
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
New Jersey does not pay for in-home care. However, the Garden State does offer seniors some much-needed financial assistance through three programs. These state-sponsored benefits provide limited relief to combat the rising costs associated with aging in place.
In a recent AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey, 77% percent of seniors 50 and older said they prefer to age in place. Over 80% of surveyed older adults also reported they are prepared to do so with modifications already in place, such as rooms on the first floor that could be converted into bedrooms. However, 79% said they would require some costly home modifications to live comfortably, like bathrooms with grab bars or no-step showers. Below are some affordable options for older adults who need financial assistance to pay for in-home care.
Financial Assistance for In-Home Care (Medicaid)
One program that offers financial assistance for in-home care is Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), offered through the state of New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. The MLTSS program provides in-home care services such as home and vehicle modifications and home-delivered meals through the New Jersey Medicaid Family Care Managed Care Program. Eligible seniors must be 65 or older and meet Medicaid financial or disability requirements. Seniors can apply for the MLTSS program by contacting their local county area agency on aging or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services also offers the Personal Preference Program (PPP) to help seniors cover the cost of in-home care. It helps seniors who qualify for the New Jersey FamilyCare Plan A access the Personal Care Assistant services benefit. This offers daily living and financial support services where seniors can live independently and have more control of their lives and health. To enroll in the PPP, New Jersey FamilyCare health plan participants can contact their health plan.
Financial Assistance for In-Home Care (Medicare)
Seniors aged 55 and older who live in 10 designated counties in New Jersey can take advantage of the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE is a community-based Medicare program that offers in-home care without traditional medical limitations. These services include health, prescription, home, nutrition and personal care services. Transportation is included, and the program works in partnership with an interdisciplinary team of professionals who assess the individual needs of each participant to provide customized care. To enroll in the PACE program, seniors must require a nursing home level of care but can live safely at home in one of the seven PACE coverage areas. For more information about the PACE program, seniors can contact their local PACE agency or the New Jersey Division of Aging Services at 1-800-792-8820.