Not sure if your patient's home care would be covered? This cheat sheet gives you a quick screening question for each funding source. Ask one question, get an answer, and know exactly how to proceed.
🎖️ VA Benefits — $0 to Patient
If YES, they likely qualify if:
- Enrolled in VA healthcare (any service era — WWII through post-9/11)
- Needs help with activities of daily living or has a clinical care need
- Service-connected OR non-service-connected disabilities both qualify
Available programs: Homemaker/Home Health Aide (personal care + homemaking), Aid & Attendance (monthly cash benefit up to $2,795), VA Respite Care (720 hours/year of caregiver relief)
How to refer: The veteran's VA primary care provider writes a Community Care Network (CCN) referral. We are an authorized CCN provider and receive the authorization directly.
Start time: 1–2 weeks after VA authorization
Learn more: How the VA Pays for Home Care
🏥 NC Medicaid — $0 to Patient
If YES, they likely qualify if:
- Active NC Medicaid recipient
- Needs help with activities of daily living
- Lives in their own home or family member's home (not a facility)
Available programs: Personal Care Services (PCS) for moderate needs, Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) for higher-acuity needs including those at risk of nursing home placement
How to refer: Physician order required. The patient's local Department of Social Services (DSS) conducts an eligibility assessment. We are an authorized Medicaid provider.
Start time: 2–4 weeks (CAP/DA may have a waitlist in some counties)
Learn more: Medicaid Home Care in NC: Complete Guide
📋 Long-Term Care Insurance — Per Policy Terms
If YES, they likely qualify if:
- Policy is active and premiums are current (check for lapsed policies)
- Patient needs help with 2+ ADLs or has a cognitive impairment
- Physician certification of care need is typically required
Typical benefits: $150–$300/day for in-home care services. Most policies cover home health aides, personal care, and skilled nursing from a licensed agency. We handle all claims documentation and work directly with the insurer.
Common carriers: Genworth, Mutual of Omaha, John Hancock, Northwestern Mutual, New York Life, MassMutual, Unum
Start time: 1–2 weeks after claim approval (elimination period may apply)
Learn more: How to Use LTCI for Home Care in NC
💳 Private Pay — No Eligibility Requirements
ANY patient qualifies — no restrictions:
- No income limits, no enrollment requirements, no physician order needed
- No waitlists or authorization delays
- Flexible hours with a 4-hour minimum per visit
- Ideal as a bridge while VA or Medicaid authorization is processed
- Can be combined with other funding sources for additional hours
Start time: 24–48 hours
Learn more: Private Pay Home Care
Not Sure Which Funding Applies to Your Patient?
Call us and describe the patient's situation. We'll identify the best funding pathway and handle the paperwork.
Contact UsThis guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Eligibility criteria, program availability, and benefit amounts are subject to change. Contact the relevant agency (VA, NC Medicaid, or the patient's insurance carrier) for current eligibility requirements. Carolina Home Health Care is an independent provider serving Charlotte, Raleigh, and 25+ NC counties since 2004.