When an aging parent needs a little extra daily help, it can be difficult to know exactly how to proceed. In addition to determining the appropriate level of in-home care for your loved one, you need to make sure that you hire a dedicated, caring professional who will treat your parent with the attention they deserve. Finally, you’ll need to help your loved one qualify for the appropriate insurance or Medicaid coverage to pay for the services.
What Type of In-Home Care Does Your Loved One Need?
Different people require different levels of in-home care, and it’s important to determine what type of assistance your loved one needs before you begin. In-home care providers fall broadly into two categories, caregivers and private nurses. Caregivers, who are also known as home health aides, assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom, as well as monitoring their overall condition. They do not, however, provide medical assistance. A private registered nurse, in contrast, does perform a wide range of medical procedures, working in conjunction with a physician.
How Do I Find In-Home Care?
If you decide to hire a home health aide, there are two ways to do it: using a home care agency or searching for an independent caregiver. Each has its pros and cons. Using a home care agency provides greater oversight, with caregivers subject to background checks and to the agency’s supervision. However, you do not get to choose your caregiver and the person looking after your loved one may not always be the same. Independent caregivers can be located via private registries, staffing services, or word-of-mouth. Going this route offers greater choice and flexibility, but potentially less certainty about the quality of the person you hire.
If you hire a private nurse, the procedure is much the same, with patients choosing between a nurse registry and a home health agency. Nurse registries are less popular than home health agencies, but they allow the patient or their family to hire the nurse directly. Home health agencies manage the complete care of the patients in their home and provide staffing directly.
How Do I Pay for In-Home Care?
In the state of Ohio, Medicaid covers home health services on a part-time and intermittent basis. Only services provided by a certified home health agency, though, qualify for coverage. Medicaid covers a variety of home health services, including home health nursing, home care aides, and skilled therapies. In order to qualify, the patient must meet with a physician, who will then need to certify that the in-home care constitutes a medical necessity.
The state of Ohio does put limits on the amount of care that can be covered by Medicaid. A patient is permitted no more than a combined 8 hours a day of home health nursing, home health aide assistance, and skilled therapy. They are also permitted no more than 14 hours a week of combined home health nursing and home health aide services, with some exceptions. Finally, an individual visit may not last more than four hours.
If you’re navigating Medicaid planning in Ohio, home care limits, protecting assets from nursing home costs, or long-term planning for an aging parent, speaking with an elder law attorney early can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between home care and home health care?
Home care typically refers to non-medical assistance such as help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility. Home health care, on the other hand, involves medical services provided by licensed professionals such as nurses or therapists. Home health care must be ordered by a physician.
Does Medicaid pay for in-home care for seniors in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio Medicaid can cover certain in-home care services, but only when they are deemed medically necessary and are provided by a certified home health agency. Coverage is subject to hourly limits and eligibility requirements.
How do I know if my parent qualifies for Medicaid home health services?
Eligibility depends on both medical need and financial qualifications. A physician must certify that in-home care is medically necessary, and the individual must meet Ohio Medicaid income and asset limits.
Can a family member be paid as a caregiver under Medicaid in Ohio?
In some situations, Ohio Medicaid programs allow family members to be compensated as caregivers. However, strict rules apply, and proper professional planning is often required to ensure compliance and eligibility.
How many hours of in-home care will Medicaid cover each week?
Ohio Medicaid generally limits coverage to a combination of nursing, aide services, and therapies totaling no more than 8 hours per day, with varying weekly limits. Coverage is based on the individual’s condition, level of need, and the specific Medicaid program or waiver involved. In certain cases, exceptions allowing additional hours may apply.
Is it better to use a home care agency or hire an independent caregiver?
Home care agencies offer oversight, background checks, and administrative support, while independent caregivers may provide more flexibility and continuity. The right choice depends on your loved one’s needs, budget, and comfort level.
What happens if my parent needs more care than Medicaid will cover?
When care needs exceed Medicaid limits, families often explore private pay options, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid planning strategies with an elder law attorney.
When should I contact an elder law attorney about in-home care?
An elder law attorney can help before a crisis occurs—especially if Medicaid eligibility, asset protection, or long-term care planning is a concern. Early planning often results in better options and fewer financial surprises.
Contact the Elder Law Attorneys at Deliberato Law Center
Getting your loved one the in-home care they need can be a complicated process. In addition to making sure you find the right person to look after your parent, ensuring that the services will be covered by insurance can be a complex procedure. If you have any questions about how Medicaid for home health services works, do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced elder law attorneys at the Deliberato Law Center. Give us a call at 216-341-3413 or fill out the form below to get started.
