How do I pay for in-home health care?

Planning for in-home care for yourself or your loved one can seem overwhelming but those who plan ahead may have more available options. From government assistance to Veterans programs, there are a variety of options available to most.

Out-of-Pocket Payments
When planning ahead, there are a few options for out-of-pocket options. Many patients pool together a care budget from multiple financial sources such as annuities, investments, savings, life insurance policies, or borrowing in the form of reverse mortgage or home equity loans.

Government Assistance
Patients may receive assistance for home health care if they don’t have insurance coverage for long-term care and can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket. Original Medicare can cover the total cost of any necessary home health care on a limited basis for those who are unable to leave home without assistance. This may include occupational, physical, or speech therapy and skilled nursing care. Original Medicare will cover routine home care and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and basic medical care that includes the checking of vital signs and dressing wounds. Services are only covered on a part-time or intermittent basis, and only if a doctor orders it.

Veterans Programs
Former service members may qualify for one of many VA programs that assist in paying for in-home care. Some include Aid and Attendance benefits, Housebound benefits, Veteran Direct Care and Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care.