Is Home Care Covered? Find Out If You Qualify
Thousands of families in North Carolina receive home care covered by VA benefits, Medicaid, or insurance. Most people don't realize they may qualify.
Check Your Eligibility βWho Can Get Covered Home Care?
Home care isn't just for the wealthy. Several programs may cover your care costs:
ποΈ Veterans & Spouses
The VA offers multiple programs that pay for in-home careβeven for veterans without service-connected disabilities. Benefits may include up to 40+ hours/week of VA-paid care.
π₯ Medicaid Recipients
North Carolina Medicaid covers home care for eligible individuals through programs like CAP/DA and Special Assistance In-Home. Income limits are higher than most people think.
π Insurance Policyholders
Long-term care insurance policies often cover in-home care services. If you or a parent purchased a policy years ago, it may be time to use it.
Home Care Eligibility Assessment
Answer 4 quick questions to see if you may qualify for covered home care.
VA Programs That Pay for Home Care
If you or a loved one served in the military, these VA programs can cover home care costs:
Homemaker/Home Health Aide Program
Personal care assistance including bathing, dressing, meal prep, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. Available to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need help with daily activities.
Aid and Attendance
Monthly cash benefit for wartime veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. Can be used to pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing home costs.
VA Respite Care
Temporary relief for family caregivers. A trained aide provides care so the primary caregiver can rest, run errands, or attend to their own health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is home care covered?
Home care can be fully covered for many families. Veterans may qualify for VA-funded home care. Medicaid covers home care for eligible recipients. Long-term care insurance often pays for in-home care services.
Does Medicare pay for home care?
Medicare does NOT cover long-term home care or custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, meals). Medicare only covers short-term skilled nursing or therapy after a hospital stay. For ongoing home care, you'll need VA benefits, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or private pay.
How do veterans get VA-paid home care?
Veterans can get VA-paid home care through several programs: the Homemaker/Home Health Aide program provides personal care and homemaking assistance, Aid and Attendance provides monthly cash payments up to $2,874 for care costs, and Respite Care provides up to 720 hours per year of caregiver relief. Veterans don't need a service-connected disability to qualify for many programs.
What is the income limit for Medicaid home care in NC?
In North Carolina, Medicaid home care eligibility depends on income and assets. Generally, individuals must have income below approximately $2,829/month and assets under $2,000 (excluding home and one vehicle). NC also has the Special Assistance In-Home program and CAP/DA waiver for those who need nursing-home level care but want to stay home.
How many hours of covered home care can I get?
Hours vary by program. VA Homemaker/HHA typically provides 6-28 hours per week based on need, and some veterans may qualify for additional hours. Medicaid waiver programs can provide up to 80+ hours per week for those with high care needs. VA Respite Care provides up to 720 hours per year for caregiver relief.
Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?
Take our 2-minute eligibility assessment or call us directly. We help families navigate VA benefits, Medicaid, and insurance every day.