Ohio

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals, including families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Medicaid waivers allow states to offer additional services and benefits not typically covered under Medicaid by "waiving" certain federal requirements to provide more tailored support to specific populations, such as those needing long-term care.

In Ohio, the following Medicaid waivers are available with an option for caregiver pay:

• PASSPORT Waiver: This program provides supports and services to individuals ages 65 or older and individuals with physical disabilities ages 60-64 years who meet a nursing facility level of care.
• Individual Options Waiver: This program provides services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities ages 0 or older who meet an ICF/IID level of care.
• Level 1 Waiver: This program provides services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities ages 0 or older who meet an ICF/IID level of care.
• OhioRISE Waiver: This program provides services to individuals with serious emotional disturbance ages 0-20 years who meet a hospital level of care.
• SELF Waiver: This program provides services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities ages 0 or older who meet an ICF/IID level of care.

Note: Under the Individual Options Waiver, the Shared Living in Ohio program (also known as Structured Family Caregiving) pays family members (excluding spouses and parents) a tax-free daily stipend for the care they provide. See if you might be eligible >>

Who are you caring for?

Medicaid programs and waivers can change over time, so it's important to consult the official Ohio Medicaid website or contact the Ohio Department of Human Services for the most up-to-date information on available waivers and eligibility requirements.

How does a Medicaid waiver work to pay family caregivers?

Medicaid waivers allow family caregivers to get paid through self-direction programs (also known as consumer direction, participant direction, or other similar names), giving care recipients more control over their care by enabling them to choose who provides it, including family members. To get paid, the care recipient must be evaluated and approved for in-home care, after which the caregiver may need to complete training, acquire credentials, and be "employed" by an agency that processes payments. Once enrolled and hired, caregivers must document and verify their work according to the program's procedures.

How much do family members get paid by Medicaid for caregiving in Ohio?

• Program guidelines: Each waiver program may have specific rules and regulations regarding caregiver compensation. These guidelines often outline the maximum hourly rate allowed.
• Local wage rates: Hourly rates are determined at the local zip code level based on a variety of factors.
• Qualifications and experience: Your qualifications and experience as a caregiver can impact your hourly rate. If you have specialized training or certifications relevant to caregiving, it may justify a higher rate. Additionally, your years of experience in caregiving can also influence your compensation.
• Level of care required: The level of care needed by the individual you are caring for can impact your hourly rate. Higher levels of care, such as providing medical assistance or supporting individuals with complex needs, may justify a higher rate compared to basic caregiving tasks.
• Time commitment: The number of hours you dedicate to caregiving can influence your hourly rate. If you are providing care full-time or have a significant time commitment, it may justify a higher rate compared to part-time caregivers.
• Market demand: The demand for caregivers in your area can also affect your hourly rate. If there is a shortage of caregivers or a high demand for specific types of care, it may drive up the hourly rates.

Can you get paid to care for your loved one?

Get paid through VA in Ohio

Veteran Directed Home & Community Based Care in OH

The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program allows veterans to choose how to direct their monthly care budget. This means that when hiring a caregiver, a veteran can choose to hire his/her family member. The caregiving family member will be paid the hourly rate determined by the VA, typically $8-$21 per hour. VDC is available to veterans of all ages enrolled in VA medical benefits and require skilled services and assistance with activities of daily living.

Veteran Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit in OH

If your veteran loved one requires professional long-term in-home, assisted living, or nursing home care, you may be eligible for Aid and Attendance (A&A). The A&A Pension can provide up to $3,261 per month to pay for care, including to caregiving family members. A&A is an add-on benefit that requires eligibility for the basic VA pension or survivor pension, as well as meeting a disability requirement.

Housebound Pension Benefit in OH

The Housebound Pension benefit provides funds to veterans who are mostly unable to leave their homes. Similar to the A&A benefit, the Housebound Pension can be used to pay family caregivers. The Housebound Pension can be worth up to $1,882 per month, and spouses are unable to be paid as the family caregiver under the Housebound benefit, as spouse income is included in the calculation of the benefit. To qualify for Housebound, a veteran must be limited to his/her house and be eligible for the basic VA pension. Veterans cannot get A&A and Housebound benefits at the same time.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) in OH

The PCAFC is the VA's broadest program targeting family caregivers. The program provides family caregivers with a stipend of up to $2,750 per month, in addition to training, counseling, and respite care. To qualify, the veteran must have been critically hurt or had a serious illness in the line of duty, and require help with at least one activity of daily living.

Find support through the Ohio Department of Aging

Every state is mandated by the federal government to create support systems for family caregivers. They often reach local communities through Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).

Area Agencies on Aging are crucial in supporting family caregivers caring for older adults. These agencies typically offer various services, resources, and programs to assist family caregivers in their caregiving responsibilities. Some of the most common ways in which state Agencies on Aging support family caregivers include:

1. Information and referrals: AAAs provide guidance on local resources, support groups, caregiver training, and respite care options.
2. Caregiver education and training: They organize programs on caregiving techniques, stress management, healthcare navigation, and legal/financial aspects.
3. Respite care: They offer temporary relief for caregivers, enabling them to take breaks and attend to their well-being.
4. Support groups: They facilitate caregiver support groups for sharing experiences, concerns, and learning from others.
5. Caregiver assessments: AAAs evaluate caregivers' needs and provide tailored support and recommendations.
6. Counseling and consultation: They offer professional guidance and emotional support for caregivers.
7. Advocacy and policy development: They advocate for caregiver-friendly policies and programs.
8. Access to benefits and services: They assist caregivers in accessing benefits and programs like Medicaid, home-based services, and transportation assistance.