Traditionally, Medicaid has paid for long-term care in a nursing home, but because most individuals would rather be cared for at home and home care is cheaper, all 50 states now have Medicaid programs that offer at least some home care. In some states, even family members can get paid for providing care at home.
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In addition, it covers care in a nursing home for those who qualify. Medicaid home care services are typically provided through home- and community-based services “waiver” programs to individuals who need a high level of care, but who would like to remain at home.
Medicaid’s home care programs are state-run, and each state has different rules about how to qualify. Because Medicaid is available only to low-income individuals, each state sets its own asset and income limits. In 2019, Ohio applicants must have income that is lower than $759 and fewer than $2,000 in assets to qualify.
States also vary widely in what services they provide. Some services that Medicaid may pay for include the following:
- In-home health care
- Personal care services, such as help bathing, eating and moving
- Home care services, including help with household chores, like shopping or laundry
- Caregiver support
- Minor modifications to the home to make it accessible
- Medical equipment