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Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in Vermont?
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 who qualify for Medicare will receive financial assistance with specific home health care costs associated with the need for skilled medical professionals. Those covered by Medicaid will not receive direct assistance with home health care but can be eligible for supportive services which are meant to reduce dependency on paid home health agencies.
As a federal program, Medicare is available to any senior who is age 65 or older, or persons younger than 65 with a qualifying disability. To be eligible for Vermont Medicaid, seniors must be either 65 or older, blind or disabled by social security standards. They must be Vermont residents and meet the income guidelines set by the state.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare will not cover any non-medical expenses related to home health care but can cover the fees for some medical professionals who offer their services in home. Visiting nurses who offer general skilled medical services are often covered under Medicare, along with a variety of medical therapists.
Seniors in need of a speech therapist for reasons due to aging, such as dementia or a stroke, can expect Medicare coverage for a professional to come to their home. Physical therapists are also covered to assist in recovery after an injury or surgery or to assist in certain age-related conditions, such as arthritis. If seniors struggle with activities of daily living, an occupational therapist can be assigned to assist with improving the skills needed to remain independent.
What Does Medicaid Cover?
Vermont seniors who are covered by Medicaid will not receive financial assistance with health-related costs but can take advantage of other in-home care to lower the need for paid assistance. Through the Medicaid Choices for Care Waiver, seniors who choose to remain in their homes can receive assistance with general homemaker tasks, activities of daily living, respite care and adult daycare. This can limit the need for a home health agency professional to only cover medical tasks, potentially lowering the cost of this skilled professional care.