How to Pay for Elderly Home Health Care in California
Health Insurance
Contact your health insurance company and ask if your policy covers home health care for the elderly. Many policies do, including Medicare (under limited circumstances) and Medi-Cal. However, you must meet certain criteria in order to qualify and some home health services may not be covered, so ask plenty of questions to make sure you understand your benefits fully. You will need a doctor's order for home health services in order for insurance to pay for the services.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid, provides health insurance for many elderly people with low incomes. It pays for a variety of health care services. Apply for Medi-Cal if you don't already receive it and can't afford to pay for the home health care you need. Visit your local county welfare office to apply or download an application online and mail it to your local welfare office. You must provide verification of all household income.
Area Agency on Aging
Contact the California Area Agency on Aging nearest you to request an assessment to find out about services for which you may be eligible. Services may vary somewhat from location to location but usually include things like social services, case management and assistance accessing health care services, including home health care for the elderly and adult day care services.
Tips
Different home health agencies may have different fees so contact several agencies in your area to compare costs. Don't settle for inadequate care or care provided by less-than-qualified caregivers in order to save money, though.
Home health agencies usually have social workers on staff that can help you figure out how to pay for the care you need. Just ask when you call to inquire about costs.
Sources:
National Clearing House for Long-Term Care Information. http://www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/Main_Site/Paying_LTC/Costs_Of_Care/Costs_Of_Care.asp . Paying for LTC.
California Department of Health Care Services. http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/default.aspx . Medi-Cal.
Almeda Social Services. http://www.alamedasocialservices.org/public/services/elders_and_disabled_adults/aaa.cfm . Area Agency on Aging.
Published by Kelly Morris
I am a former social worker and in that capacity, worked with teens and their families to address issues like domestic violence and school violence. I now make my living as a freelance writer. My work has... View profile
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- Home Health Care Directories on the WebSome other directories that can be helpful in locating home health care agencies and home caregivers include
- Payment Options for Home Health Care
- Home Health Care Providers: How to Choose the Right One
- Interview Advice for Potential Home Health Care Workers
- Home Health Care Workers Not Entitled to Minimum Wage
- Why Home Health Care is a Better Choice Than Nursing Home Care
- Medicare Policies Regarding Home Health Care
- Cost of Home Health Care
2 Comments
Post a CommentVery good suggestions. If in-home care is too expensive, sometimes a care home may help if 24hr care is needed. Find out about these homes at http://careproviderusa.com
Excellent work! Happy Holidays =0)