Paying for care
Understanding your options for paying for care
Figuring out how to pay for care can feel confusing. We accept several payment sources, and we are happy to walk you through what may apply to your family.
Ways to pay
Payment sources we work with
Every family’s situation is different. Many people use more than one source over time. Here is a plain overview of each option.
Private pay
Many families choose to pay for care directly. Private pay gives you the most flexibility in choosing the kind of help, the number of hours and the schedule that suits your loved one.
We will talk through your needs first, then explain what a care plan would involve before anything begins.
Medicaid
We accept Medicaid, including Texas Medicaid waiver programs such as STAR+PLUS, which can help eligible adults receive care at home instead of in a facility.
Eligibility and the services covered are decided by the state or your Medicaid health plan. We can help you understand the steps and work with your plan once services are approved.
About Medicaid waiver programsLong-term care insurance
If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may help pay for care at home. Policies differ, so check what yours covers, including its daily benefit and elimination (waiting) period.
We can help with the paperwork a policy may need, such as care plans and records of the care provided.
VA benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA programs that help pay for care at home, such as VA home care services or the Aid and Attendance benefit.
Eligibility is decided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If your loved one is already approved, or is applying, let us know and we will explain how we can help.
Before you call
What to have ready when you call
You do not need everything on this list to get started. Having some of it handy helps us answer your questions faster.
- Your loved one’s city and the kind of help they need
- How you plan to pay: private pay, Medicaid, insurance or VA
- Medicaid or health plan member ID, if they have one
- Long-term care insurance policy details, if they have a policy
- VA information, if your loved one is a veteran or surviving spouse
- A list of current medications and doctors, if skilled care is needed
Questions
Common questions about paying for care
How do I know which payment option applies to us?
The easiest way is to call us. We will ask a few simple questions about your loved one’s needs and any coverage they already have, then explain the options that may fit.
Can you tell me if my loved one qualifies for Medicaid?
We cannot decide eligibility. That is done by the state of Texas or your Medicaid health plan. We can explain the general process and point you to the right place to apply.
Does long-term care insurance cover care at home?
Many policies do, but coverage varies. Look at your policy for its home care benefit, daily limit and elimination period, or call your insurance company. We can help with the forms and care records they may ask for.
Can we combine more than one way of paying?
Sometimes, yes. For example, a family may pay privately for extra hours on top of care covered by another program. Ask us and we will explain what is possible for your situation.
Will you explain the costs before care starts?
Yes. Before care begins, we go over the care plan with you and make sure you understand what is involved, so you know what to expect.