As they age, many people prefer to remain independent and stay in their own homes, even if they need skilled nursing assistance. Although home health care is less expensive than residential 24/7 care, the cost is still high for many people. If you or a loved one need home health care, it’s important to answer the question, “Does Medicaid pay for home health care?”
Medicaid: The Basics
You very likely have heard of Medicaid. Although many people confuse Medicaid and Medicare, they are completely different programs.
Medicaid is funded by the federal government. However, each state manages their own Medicaid program. In fact, states may vary in the type of coverage they offer.
Medicaid Home Health Care Programs
Alabama Medicaid offers a wide range of services to people who qualify for Medicaid. Several programs provide coverage for care given at home:
- Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program. As you can tell from the name, this program provides services for Medicaid recipients who are elderly and/or disabled. In fact, a person who needs a level of care typically given in nursing homes may qualify for this program. Services includes homemaker services, personal care, skilled and unskilled respite care, home delivered meals, and adult companion services.
- State of Alabama Independent Living Waiver (SAIL) Program. An adult who wants to stay at despite qualifying for nursing home care may be accepted into this program. However, this program is for people with certain specific medical conditions. While not a complete list, the following diagnoses are covered: traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, substantial neurological impairments, debilitating diseases, and rare genetic disorders. Recipients may receive personal care services, environmental accessibility adaptations, and medical supplies, assistive technology, to name a few.
- Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver. This program helps Medicaid recipients currently in residential care transition to a home or community setting. Services include transitional assistance, personal care, homemaker, home delivered meals, skilled nursing, and medical equipment.
Home Health Care for Other Disabilities
In addition, programs for intellectual disabled individuals offer assistance in living at home or in a community setting:
- Home and Community-Based Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). This program assists people who are at least age 3 who have been diagnosed as mentally retarded. In addition to Medicaid income and resource qualifications, individuals must need intermediate care facility care and have an IQ of 70 or lower. This program provides a number of services, including group home facilities, supported employment, physical therapy, companion services, personal care, skilled nursing, and specialized medical equipment.
- Living at Home (LAH) Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Again, individuals in this program mentally retarded and at least 3 years old. Services include personal care, prevocational services, occupational therapy, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment and supplies.
Of course, knowing about these home health care programs is not enough. You have to be a Medicaid recipient first.
Applying for Medicaid Can Be Frustrating. We Can Help.
The application process for Medicaid is a difficult path for most people to navigate. However, the attorneys at Miller Estate and Elder Law help many of their clients every step of the way.
For a free consultation with an experienced Alabama attorney, contact us at 256-251-2137 or use our convenient Contact Form. We have offices in Anniston and serve clients in Gadsden, Hoover, Talladega, Vestavia Hills, and surrounding areas.