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Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in Hawaii?
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
In Hawaii, people who qualify for Med-QUEST, Hawaii’s Medicaid program, also qualify for home health care financial assistance. Some people on Med-QUEST may be eligible for the Medicaid Fee-For-Service Program. These programs provide eligible recipients with coverage for long-term care at home as long as their assets meet the eligibility requirements. By utilizing these programs, eligible individuals may be able to receive most or all of their assistance from home.
What Does Med-QUEST Cover?
Med-QUEST covers a range of home and community-based services for those who qualify for long-term services and supports (LTSS). Eligible individuals must apply for services, even if they already have Med-QUEST, and a physician must deem the additional support as required. This program covers both home- and community-based services and institutional services.
Home- and community-based services provide eligible individuals with the support they need at home so they do not have to move to a care home to receive nursing home level of care support. Caregivers will provide assistance to support recipients with instrumental activities of daily living and medical management as needed and as prescribed by a physician. Some commonly provided services include:
- Adult day care
- Environmental accessibility adaptation
- Meal delivery
- Transportation
- Skilled nursing
- Homemaker services
What is Medicaid Fee-For-Service?
The Medicaid Fee-For-Service (FFS) Program is designed to cover long-term care for eligible individuals. With this program, a physician must certify that long-term care is needed for at least 30 consecutive days. Only the income of the spouse requiring care will determine eligibility for this program, but all countable assets owned by a married couple will be counted. The spouse who does not require care may shelter some assets, but unsheltered assets must not exceed $2,000. Individuals who qualify for FFS will have individual services paid for by Medicaid to meet any care needs, as outlined by a physician.