When navigating the options for home health care in New York, there are a few things you need to know to make healthcare as affordable as it can possibly be for you or your loved ones.
In this article, we’ll discuss several different ways you can pay for the cost of home healthcare services, so your loved ones can live as independently and as safely as possible at home.
Medicare
Medicare offers coverage for certain types of skilled home health care services if you meet eligibility criteria. Coverage includes intermittent skilled nursing services, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and medical social services provided by a Medicare-certified agency.
Eligibility Criteria for Medicare:
- Age Requirement: You must be 65 years old or older or turning 65 within the next three months.
- Medical Conditions: You be diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
- Income Limit: Your income meets or falls below 120% of the federal poverty level or meets the Medicaid standard.
- Application Requirement: If you meet the age requirement and income criteria mentioned above, you are required to apply for Medicare as a condition of Medicaid eligibility.
It’s important to note that this eligibility criterion is based on the information provided, and there may be additional factors or specific requirements that could apply in individual cases. It is advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or seek professional guidance for specific eligibility determinations.
Medicare for People under 65 Years
Medicare also extends its coverage to individuals under the age of 65, based on the following conditions:
- The individual must be entitled to Social Security disability benefits for a minimum of 24 months
- The individual must receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and fulfill specific conditions
- The individual must have a diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). These individuals are immediately granted eligibility for Medicare, regardless of their age or the duration of benefits received.
- Individuals with permanent kidney failure, those necessitating regular dialysis or a kidney transplant, and who meet the Social Security tax payment requirements are eligible for Medicare.
Medicare is divided into four parts, which include:
- Part A: Also known as Hospital Insurance.
- Part B: Which provides Medicare Insurance.
- Part C: Known as Medicare Advantage Plans.
- Part D: Which covers Drug Coverage.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance policies may provide coverage for home health care in New York. These policies can be tailored to meet your individual needs.
Here are three key features of long-term care insurance policies in New York:
- Flexible Coverage Options: Long-Term Care Insurance policies can be tailored to provide coverage for a range of services, including skilled nursing care, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), home health aides and custodial care. You have the flexibility to choose benefits and levels of coverage to meet your specific needs.
- Financial Protection: If you cannot pay for long-term care costs out of pocket, a long-term care policy can help protect your assets from being depleted by paying the cost for services that would otherwise be incurred. This can give you peace of mind knowing that if ever needed, there will be adequate financial protection.
- Tax Benefits: Many long-term care policies qualify for tax deductions, allowing you to reduce your taxable income while still providing coverage for the services you need. This can be a great way to save on taxes and premiums.
Veterans Assistance Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that assist with long-term home healthcare costs for veterans and their families who meet eligibility criteria. Services offered through these programs range from skilled nursing care and therapy to home health aides.
Here are three programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that assist with long-term home healthcare costs for eligible veterans and their families:
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) Program:
- The Aid and Attendance program provides additional monthly financial assistance to veterans and surviving spouses who require some aid to perform activities of daily living or have specific medical needs.
- This program covers the cost of home health care services, including skilled nursing care, therapy, and assistance with personal care.
- Eligibility criteria include being eligible for a VA pension, meeting specific medical requirements, and demonstrating financial need.
VA Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program:
- The Home-Based Primary Care program provides comprehensive medical care at home for eligible veterans who have complex medical needs and are unable to leave their homes easily.
- Under this program, a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, deliver primary care services in the veteran’s home.
- Services offered may include skilled nursing care, medication management, therapy, and assistance with activities of daily living.
VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide (H/HHA) Program:
- The Homemaker and Home Health Aide program offers skilled home health care services to eligible veterans who need assistance with daily activities but do not require full-time skilled nursing care.
- Trained homemakers or home health aides provide services like personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship.
- Eligibility for this program is based on a veteran’s clinical need for the services and their eligibility for other VA healthcare programs.
Veterans and their families in New York can access these programs by meeting the eligibility criteria and applying through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Charitable Organizations
In New York, several charitable organizations offer assistance with home healthcare costs and provide additional support services to individuals in need. These organizations often provide financial aid and volunteer services to help individuals access essential home health care services. Some notable charitable organizations in New York that can assist with home health costs are:
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides various services, including financial assistance and volunteer support, to individuals in need of home health care in New York. They may offer financial aid to help cover the costs of home health care services, as well as volunteer services, such as meal delivery and transportation to medical appointments.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a charitable organization that offers a range of support services, including assistance with home health care costs in New York. They provide financial assistance to eligible individuals for accessing home health care services, along with other forms of assistance, such as emergency aid, food assistance, and transportation.
Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY)
The Visiting Nurse Service of New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing home health care services and support to individuals in New York. They offer a range of programs, including financial assistance and care coordination, to help individuals access and afford quality home health care.
Wrapping Up
There is a wide variety of options available to help pay for home health care in New York. With the help of advocacy groups and organizations, individuals are given the opportunity to access services that can provide support and resources to meet health goals.
When considering which option to choose, it’s important to take into account each one’s unique benefits and limitations. Weighing these factors can help you make the most informed decisions and find an option that best suits your individual needs.
