ARE THERE ANY GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR HOME CARE EXPENSES?

By Rajiv K. Goel, Principal

Most, if not all of our clients, would prefer to receive care at home instead of a nursing home should they become incapacitated from a fall or stroke.  With the average cost of home care ranging between $20 – $40 per hour, depending on level of service, it does not take much time for one’s assets to get depleted.  Often times, when these individuals have exhausted their assets, they contact us to apply for any government programs available to pay for the care costs.  Unfortunately, the primary government program available to cover such care costs (called the Medicaid Waiver for Older Adults program) has a two to three year waiting list.  Conversely, many people find this out when it is too late and they need the benefits “yesterday.”  Therefore, we recommend to people who can benefit from this program to get on the waiting list ahead of time and well before they deplete their assets.