Did You Know Medicaid May Pay You As A Family Caregiver?

Each day, millions of parents, children, siblings, and spouses selflessly sacrifice their time and energy to care for family members affected by illness, injury, or disability. Their efforts help meet numerous social, financial, nursing, and everyday personal care needs such as help with bathing, feeding, and driving to appointments. More than half (58%) of family caregivers have intensive caregiving responsibilities.¹

If you are a regular caregiver of a loved one, you know it can exact an emotional and physical toll. It can be financially draining, too. However, in some cases Medicaid may offer financial relief.

Generally, Medicaid looks at the applicant’s financial situation (income and assets) as well as his or her functional ability. An applicant who meets state Medicaid eligibility requirements can apply for a specific program that allows the individual to self-direct his or her own care, including the selection of a qualified caregiver who may be a relative or a friend. The caregiver is compensated, directly or indirectly, by Medicaid.

80% of care at home is provided by unpaid caregivers

Medicaid rules and services are different in each state, and there may be more than one program that offers caregiver benefits. For instance, some programs may pay for family caregivers but exclude spouses or in-laws. Others may provide compensation only if the caregiver does not live in the same house as the person receiving care. Contact your state Medicaid office for information about its programs and respective eligibility requirements, or visit medicaidplanningassistance.org/state-specific-medicaid-eligibility/.

1) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020