Understanding Payment Options for Care at Home
Paying for care is often one of the first concerns families have. The answer is not always simple because payment options depend on the type of care needed, available insurance or benefits and the programs offered where the person lives.
Understanding the most common payment options can make it easier to take the next step and find the right support at home.
What Types of Care Are Available at Home?
“Home care” can refer to several different services. Each type of care has its own eligibility requirements and payment options.
Personal care services provide non-medical help with daily life. Support may include:
- Bathing, dressing and grooming
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Errands
- Medication reminders
- Companionship
- Help maintaining daily routines
Personal care services may be family funded or supported through certain Medicaid programs, long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits or other eligible programs.
Skilled home health provides clinical care at home for eligible patients. Services may include:
- Skilled nursing
- Physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Wound care
- Medication education
- Support managing an illness or chronic condition
- Care after a hospital stay
Skilled home health may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or other health plans for eligible patients.
Behavioral health care at home supports eligible individuals living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders or emotional challenges that may affect everyday life. Services may include:
- Behavioral health nursing
- Medication education and support
- Help recognizing and managing symptoms
- Support developing healthy routines and coping skills
- Education for patients and families
- Coordination with healthcare providers and community resources
Behavioral health services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or other health plans for eligible patients.
Hospice provides comfort-focused care and support for people living with a life-limiting illness. Hospice services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance for eligible patients.
What Can Affect the Cost of Care at Home?
The cost of care at home can depend on:
- The type of care needed
- How often care is provided
- The length of each visit
- Whether support is short-term or ongoing
- The person’s location
- Specialized care needs
- Insurance coverage and eligibility
- Available state or local programs
Because every person’s needs are different, a local care team can provide more specific information about available services and payment options.
Does Medicare Help Pay for Care at Home?
Medicare may help cover certain skilled home health, behavioral health and hospice services for people who meet eligibility requirements.
Coverage depends on the person’s needs and the services being provided. Speak with your healthcare provider, insurance plan or local Elara Caring team to learn more.
What Other Payment Options May Be Available?
Medicaid and state-funded programs may help qualifying individuals access personal care, skilled home health, behavioral health or other support at home. Eligibility and available services vary by state.
Some private insurance plans may cover eligible skilled home health, behavioral health, hospice or other clinical services. Coverage depends on the individual plan.
Long-term care insurance may help pay for personal care and other support at home. Review your policy or contact your insurance provider to learn which services may be covered.
Eligible veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for benefits that help pay for care at home. Available benefits depend on the person’s circumstances and eligibility. Learn more about Elara Caring’s Front & Center veteran care.
Families may choose to pay directly for personal care services. Family-funded care offers flexible, personalized support shaped around the person’s routines, preferences and changing needs.
Can Someone Receive More Than One Type of Care?
Some people may benefit from more than one type of care at home. For example, an eligible patient receiving skilled home health, behavioral health or hospice care may also use personal care services for additional help.
Eligibility and payment are determined separately for each service. When care teams work together, patients and families can receive more coordinated support as their needs change.
How Elara Caring Can Help
Understanding care and payment options can feel complicated. Elara Caring can help you:
- Learn about the types of care available
- Explore services offered in your area
- Understand general payment options
- Identify appropriate next steps
- Coordinate services as care needs change
Service availability, eligibility and payment options vary by location and individual circumstances.
Let’s Talk About Care at Home
You do not need to understand every service or payment option before reaching out. Contact your local Elara Caring team to learn about care available in your area and the next steps for getting started.
Contact us to learn more
