Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in Alabama?

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

In Alabama, seniors who earn less than $2,523 per month and have assets totaling less than $2,000 may qualify for financial assistance that pays some or all of their home health care costs. Assistance is provided through Medicaid, which is a government program that serves low-income residents statewide. Alabama offers three Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for eligible seniors. In this guide, learn about these waivers and what each provides.

Elderly & Disabled (E&D)

The E&D waiver provides home health care and other necessary services for people who would otherwise require care in an institutional setting. In addition to meeting income and asset requirements, seniors must also be disabled and meet the need for a nursing facility level of care. Individuals can apply for this program by calling the Department of Senior Services at 1 (800) 243-5463.

Services include:

Personal care
Skilled nursing
Respite care
Adult day health
Case management
Housekeeping and chores
Home-delivered meals

Alabama Community Transition (ACT)

ACT is a waiver that helps seniors who reside in a nursing home move back into their own home with a variety of services and supports. To qualify, seniors must be deemed eligible to safely return to their home and plan to do so within 180 days of their application. Individuals can apply by calling 1 (877) 425-2243. ACT provides the same services as E&D, as well as:

Transitional assistance
Home modifications
Medical equipment and supplies
Personal emergency response system
Assistive technology

Personal Choices

Personal Choices is a self-directed program that allows recipients to choose their own caregivers and services. Seniors receive a monthly stipend to spend on caregivers, home health services, medical equipment and other necessities. Recipients can also get help with making a budget, tracking expenses, paying hired caregivers and filing taxes. Individuals must be a part of one of Alabama’s HCBS waivers to qualify for the Personal Choices option. To find out more and learn how to apply, call 1 (877) 425-2243.