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Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in Rhode Island?
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
Seniors ages 65 and older and people with disabilities may qualify for home health care financial assistance if they enroll in Medicaid by meeting the financial requirements. This covers participation in the Long-Term Services and Supports or Rite @ Home program. These programs are designed for people who need significant care either in their own homes or in the home of a caregiver.
How To Qualify for Home Health Care Financial Assistance
To qualify for home health care financial assistance in Rhode Island, seniors ages 65 and up or people with disabilities must first enroll in Medicaid. This program has strict financial limitations. A single person cannot make more than $13,596 in income per year. This works out to $1,133 per month. Assets are limited to $4,000, although some assets may be exempt, including one’s home, car and personal belongings. For a two-person household, the income limit rises to $18,312 per year (or $1,526 per month) with an asset cap of $6,000.
When the Medicaid financial limitations have been met and a recipient is enrolled, the next step is application to the chosen program and assessment to determine the required level of care. People at the highest level require nursing home-level care and have the option to choose to receive home health care. Those who qualify for a high level of care are not eligible for nursing home admission but are eligible for home health care.
Home Health Care Programs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers two Medicaid-funded home health care programs. The first is the Long-Term Services and Supports program that offers services to seniors or people with disabilities at the highest and high levels of care. Services may include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or personal care attendant care, case management, companion care, Meals on Wheels, an emergency response system and medical equipment. Seniors live in their own home or in a community.
The Rite @ Home program offers an alternative for those who cannot remain safely in their own home alone. With this program, the participant lives in the home of a caregiver who receives training to provide the necessary care and services. Nursing support is available if needed. The caregiver also has the option of moving into the participant’s home if the environment is deemed safe and appropriate.