Paying for Home Care Agencies

The cost of in-home care services varies and is based on the type and amount of care provided. The 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicates the average cost of home care in the United States is $4,481 per month. For home health care services, plan to pay about $90 more per month. This breaks down to about $23-24 per hour.

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If you or your loved one needs 24x7 in-home care, costs can add up quickly. This is where planning ahead is helpful. Long-term care insurance policies, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, can cover in-home care in addition to care in a retirement community or nursing home. It's better to shop for long-term care insurance as soon as possible. While some policies will not accept those with a PD diagnosis, others will depending on your age.

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In addition, you can often use government programs to pay for this care if you qualify. These programs go by different titles in each state, but they are all part of what's known as 1915(c) Home Community-Based Services Waivers.

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Those who qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or Veteran's benefits may also have coverage for in-home care through these programs. Using Medicare to pay for in-home care can be complicated and not many agencies will accept Medicare. However, Medicaid automatically covers home care services through its home and community-based services waivers. In some states, Medicaid funds can pay family members to serve as in-home caregivers, according to AARP, this includes Alabama. Eligibility for HCBS waivers is based on income and asset limits. The Veteran Directed Care program administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs can also provide coverage to pay family members chosen by the person with PD to provide in-home care.

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Alabama Lifespan Resource Network

Full-time, unpaid, family caregivers for a loved one of any age with a chronic illness or disability that requires around-the-clock care are invited to apply for the Alabama Lifespan Respite Voucher Reimbursement program. To be eligible, caregivers:

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• Cannot currently be receiving respite services through any other program to qualify for the Alabama Lifespan Respite reimbursement program

• Only one caregiver per household is eligible to apply

• Only one individual per household may be listed as the care recipient

• You cannot be listed as both the Primary Caregiver and the Respite Provider - the intent of the program is to reimburse after you have paid a third-party for respite

• You must submit a proof of diagnosis for your care recipient

• You are responsible for selecting and training a trustworthy respite provider who is at least 19 years of age and who lives outside of the care recipient's home

• There is a 60-90 day processing period before you will receive reimbursement in the form of a check

• Respite reimbursement funds can only be used for respite care

• You are responsible for keeping payment records and referring to a tax professional. If you pay an individual more than $2,100 per year.

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The completion of the application does not guarantee the awarding of financial assistance from Alabama Lifespan Respite. The application can be found by clicking on the Respite Application Packet found at www.alabamarespite.org/apply-for-respite.

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Disclaimer: At PAA, our desire is to be a GO TO Resource for everything you need for the Parkinson's diagnosis to live a quality life with PD. We want to make sure you have all resources you need as you plan your journey with Parkinson's now and into the future so that you can reflect and discern what decisions you want to make with the appropriate insights to help you choose and build a plan that is unique as your journey. The PAA, nor the contents on this website, should never be a replacement for professional expertise and guidance from medical, legal, or financial professionals. Our goal is to equip you for those conversations. As such, the PAA cannot be held accountable for your choices and outcomes while navigating your Parkinson's condition.