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. For example, in 2019, in Massachusetts, an applicant must have income that is lower than $2,313 a month and fewer than $2,000 in assets to qualify. For those with assets over $2,000, as elder law attorneys we are often able to provide planning to protect your excess assets.

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

In most states, including Massachusetts, it is possible for family members to get paid for providing care to a Medicaid recipient. The Medicaid applicant must apply for Medicaid and select a program that allows the recipient to choose his or her own caregiver, often called "consumer directed care." Most states that allow paid family caregivers do not allow legal guardians and spouses to be paid by Medicaid, but a few states do. Some states will pay caregivers only if they do not live in the same house as the Medicaid recipient.

To find out your Medicaid home care options, please contact the Elder Law attorneys at Senior Solutions at 617-489-5900 or by email at kmcnair@seniorsolutionsinfo.com. We are caring Elder Law attorneys in the Greater Boston area, ready to help you with Medicaid and MassHealth Planning, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Conservatorship, Probate, and Special Needs Planning.