A caregiver can be anyone who helps someone in need with their daily tasks within the home. This need could stem from aging, illness, disability, or other circumstances. Caregivers offer a range of home care services, which may include assistance with personal grooming, meal preparation, mobility, light household chores, laundry, and even providing specialized medical care when necessary.
Depending on the nature of the care required, a trained caregiver can either be a trained medical professional, such as a nurse or therapist, or a specialist in non-medical home care. Family caregivers are individuals who assume the role of an informal caregiver for a loved one. Although family caregivers usually undertake unpaid caregiving duties out of love and familial obligation, avenues exist for them to receive recognition and financial support for their work.
Delivering in-home care is important work that has numerous benefits for the care recipient, and it deserves fair compensation. If you or a loved one benefits from Medicare or Medicaid, these programs might cover the costs of an in-home caregiver, so long as you meet the criteria. In certain instances, this may even enable beneficiaries to hire family members as caregivers. In this article, we will examine how to get paid as a caregiver and explore the available options within the state of Arizona.
How Do You Qualify For A Medicare Caregiver In Arizona?
Eligibility criteria and regulations for government benefits can vary from state to state. This article focuses on the possibilities for home care in Arizona via Medicare or Medicaid.
Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid
In general, most Medicare plans require caregivers to be employed by certified facilities, such as nursing homes or home care agencies that have an established partnership with Medicare. Medicare coverage for home care applies to tasks that necessitate the expertise of skilled medical professionals, including intermittent nursing care, occupational and physical therapy, speech therapy, and administering injections.
It’s crucial to note that Medicare does not directly reimburse family members who assume caregiving roles for their loved ones. On the other hand, Medicaid, designed to assist low-income families, offers greater flexibility. Some Medicaid programs are structured to permit beneficiaries to decide how their allowances are allocated, potentially allowing them to employ family members as caregivers.
Arizona, has a Medicaid initiative formally referred to as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This program extends financial assistance to cover home care expenses for eligible residents of Arizona. For senior citizens, AHCCCS offers access through a specific program known as Arizona Long Term Care Services (ALTCS), also sometimes referred to as the Elderly and Physical Disability Program.
ALTCS offers healthcare coverage to individuals aged 65 and above in need of nursing care. In addition to providing coverage for nursing care within a facility, ALTCS also extends its support to seniors who prefer to stay in their homes but require extra care. ALTCS enables seniors to receive the necessary nursing care while remaining in their own residences, with the costs covered by AHCCCS. Through the Agency of Choice or Self-Directed Attendant Care programs, beneficiaries of ALTCS share the responsibilities of hiring, training, and terminating their home caregivers. This arrangement empowers seniors to hire family members as caregivers paid for by Medicaid. You can apply for ALTCS by calling (888) 621-6880 or contacting a home care agency that works with Medicaid.
When Is Home Care Not Covered By Medicare?
Medicare does not cover all types of home care services. For instance, Medicare won’t fund a caregiver if the recipient requires round-the-clock care, is capable of leaving their home independently, or needs indefinite care. Moreover, Medicare does not usually cover non-medical services provided by caregivers. If the primary care needs of the recipient are due to general frailty or revolve around assistance with daily activities like using the restroom, grocery shopping, dressing, or housekeeping, Medicare won’t provide coverage for such services.
How Do I Apply To Be A Medicare Caregiver?
Even in scenarios where a plan allows the recipient to select their own caregiver, family members must still go through the Medicare application process and undergo an assessment. Success depends on factors such as the type and frequency of care required, the recipient’s insurance coverage, and whether any special medical supplies are necessary.
Get Help With Becoming A Caregiver In Arizona
Navigating the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid regulations can be challenging. However, if you reside in Arizona and need guidance on becoming a family caregiver or employing a family caregiver, Nova Home Care is here to assist you.
Nova Home Care offers professional and personalized in-home care services throughout Arizona. We support family caregivers by offering official employment opportunities through our agency. Our benefits package includes insurance, a 401K plan, training, paid time off, and more. Our services are covered by Medicaid, and we can help eligible families secure home care funding through their benefits.
As a caregiver employed by Nova Home Care, you are not required to have medical qualifications. However, a high school diploma (or GED) and a reliable means of transportation are essential. If you’re interested in getting paid as a family caregiver, please apply via our website.
To learn more about how we can assist you in qualifying as a family caregiver in Arizona and accessing any Medicare or Medicaid benefits for your family member, please contact us online or call us at 317-537-2490.