Home care is cost-effective. Numerous studies have shown that home care is generally the most cost-effective care option. Used prior to, in place of, or after hospitalization, home care can reduce the length-of-stay and save money over the course of an illness.

Home care keeps people independent. With assistance, persons of all ages can continue to function as viable members of the community.

Home care keeps families together. The joy of being with loved ones is particularly important in times of illness, and keeping families together has a positive social and economic impact on our communities.

Home care involves the individual and the family in the care that is delivered. Home care is patient-centered — it empowers individuals and their families to assume greater responsibility for their own health, and to assist them to make informed health care decisions.

Home care is paid for by a variety of sources. Benefits and requirements vary greatly, however. Major home care payment sources include:

• Patient/private pay – Home care services can be personally paid. The scope of services and the charges are negotiated between the patient/family and the agency. For those whose resources do not cover home care, some home care agencies offer a sliding-scale fee schedule so that a family need only pay what it can afford.
• Private health insurance – Policy coverage varies. Generally, private insurance coverage is limited to physician-directed medical services and equipment. The patient and family should check with their insurance agent to determine coverage specifics.
• Medicare – The patient must be under a physician’s plan of care, homebound and in need of part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care or occupational/physical/speech therapy. Eligible clients may receive a range of services which include skilled nursing, home care aide, speech and occupational therapy, medical social work and medical supplies/equipment.
• Medicaid – This federal/state administered medical assistance program provides services similar to Medicare for low-income people. No prior hospitalization or “skilled” level of service is required to qualify. Individuals do not need to be homebound.
• Social services block grants – These Title XX funds are available for in-home care services including home care aide, chore and personal care.
• Older Americans Act – Title III of the Older Americans Act provides in-home services including home-delivered meals, home care aide, personal care, chore, escort, and shopping services.
• Workers’ compensation – Any person needing home care services as a result of an injury on the job is eligible. Workers’ compensation representatives have information on eligibility.
• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) – HMOs and Comprehensive Medical Plans (CMP) with Medicare contracts must provide the full range of Medicare-covered services that are available in a geographic area, including home care services.
• CHAMPUS – On a cost-shared basis this program covers skilled nursing care and other professional medical home care for dependents of active military personnel, retirees and their dependents and survivors.