Families may have several options for paying for in-home care, depending on the individual’s age, income, medical needs, military service, insurance coverage, and state of residence.
- Medicaid / State Medicaid Programs
- Medicaid may help eligible individuals pay for certain home and community-based services, including personal care and assistance with daily activities.
- Eligibility and covered services vary by state.
- Apply or learn more: Medicaid.gov
- Medicare
- Medicare may cover certain short-term, medically necessary home health services, including skilled nursing and certain therapy services.
- Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing custodial or personal-care services when that is the only care needed, such as routine bathing, dressing, or housekeeping.
- Learn about Medicare home health coverage: Medicare.gov – Home Health Services
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
- Veterans who qualify may receive home-based services through the VA, including Homemaker/Home Health Aide services, respite care, and Veteran-Directed Care.
- Learn more: VA – Home & Community-Based Services
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- A long-term care insurance policy may help pay for personal and custodial care provided in the home, depending on the policy’s benefits and eligibility requirements.
- Families should contact their insurance company to determine whether their policy covers in-home care.
- Private Pay / Personal Funds
- Individuals or families may pay directly using personal income, savings, retirement funds, or other available resources.
- This is often an option when a person does not qualify for government assistance or when a particular service is not covered by insurance.
- Life Insurance Benefits
- Depending on the policy, individuals may have options for using life insurance benefits to help pay for long-term care.
- Families should speak with their insurance provider or a qualified financial professional before making changes to a policy.
- Annuities or Other Financial Resources
- Annuities and certain other financial resources may be used to help cover long-term care expenses.
- Financial and tax implications should be carefully reviewed before making financial decisions.
- Local Aging and Disability Programs
- Local Area Agencies on Aging and other community programs may provide referrals, assistance, caregiver support, personal-care services, and other resources for eligible individuals.
- Find local assistance: Eldercare Locator
If You Are in South Carolina
Families can also explore Healthy Connections Medicaid, South Carolina’s Medicaid program. The program may serve eligible older adults, people with disabilities, children, and other qualifying individuals.
- Apply for South Carolina Medicaid: SCDHHS Healthy Connections – Apply
- Check eligibility and income limits: SCDHHS Eligibility Information
- Get help with an application: SCDHHS – Where to Get Help
Important: Eligibility and coverage requirements differ by program and state. Families should verify benefits directly with the appropriate agency or insurance provider before arranging services.
