Home Health Care
Look into Other Options
Individuals who meet the criteria for some additional focused programs may qualify for benefits instead of or in addition to the other sources discussed here.
Veterans Benefits
The Veterans Administration (VA) pays for some skilled home care -- including nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and social services -- to veterans who are homebound with chronic diseases. But limitations and special criteria apply. To find a facility near you, contact the local Veterans Health Administration Office.
For more information, see the guide published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors."
TRICARE
TRICARE is a health care program serving active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors and some former spouses.
It operates much like Medicare and covers the same services: a total of 28 hours of part-time or 35 hours of intermittent skilled nursing care, home health aide services, and physical, speech and occupational therapy each week. All care must be provided by a participating home health agency.
As a stopgap, the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) provides skilled services to some homebound beneficiaries who require more than 28 to 35 hours per week of home health services — along with medical social services, training, and some medical supplies. The patient’s primary care manager or attending physician will determine whether the patient is eligible.
For more information and enrollment specifics on TRICARE and ECHO, visit the TRICARE Web site.
County Indigent Care Programs
Some county programs pay for some types of home health care for individuals who have limited funds — generally, those ages 21 through 64. The programs and services offered vary widely from county to county, as do the eligibility requirements, but most require that individuals have no health insurance coverage available. In addition, most county programs offer benefits for only a limited period — most of them three to six months, although some last up to a year.
For more information about possible help with paying for home care in your county, visit the California State Association of Counties Web site.
Indian Health Services
Indian Health Services provides home care services to some local Native Americans. For more information, see the California Indian Health Services site or call 916-930-3927.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers home care services that are medically necessary because of an injury that occurred on the job. For more information, contact the local office of the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
