Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in New York?

New York seniors may qualify for home health care financial assistance if they qualify for a Medicaid Managed Long Term Care Plan. Long-term care services provide assistance with medical, social, housekeeping or rehabilitative services over a period of time. Alternatively, seniors may qualify for self-directed home care through the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).

Both of these options provide seniors with support needed to remain in their homes rather than being moved into a care home. These are popular options for seniors who would prefer to age in place and are often cheaper overall than around-the-clock care provided in nursing homes.

The Medicaid Managed Long Term Care Plan (MLTC) provides those who are disabled or chronically ill the opportunity to remain in their homes and communities by providing services to assist with activities of daily living. These services may include home care and adult day care that are approved by the New York State Department of Health. New York requires enrollment in a MLTC plan for individuals eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare over the age of 21 who require long-term care services for over 120 days within certain counties.

Provided services may include medical and non-medical care at home, as determined by need. It can include light housekeeping and assistance with activities of daily living or more complex nursing care. Caregivers are contracted through Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) to meet the needs of the individual.

CDPAP is a Medicaid program that allows eligible individuals with a medical need for help with activities of daily living or skilled nursing services to receive assistance at home. This can include personal care aides, home health aides or nurses as needed. With this program, the individual or an appointed representative for the individual can choose their own caregivers. However, they must also assume full responsibility for hiring, training, supervising and potentially terminating the caregivers. To qualify, individuals must have Medicaid, require home care and be self-directing or have an appointed representative to direct their care.

Because eligible recipients of this program retain control over hiring caregivers, CDPAP can be used to hire most family members and friends for the role. Spouses cannot be hired as each other’s family caregivers, but children and siblings can. Caregivers do not have to hold licenses or certifications, but they have to be trained by the eligible individual or their representative to provide necessary assistance.