Category: Recent News

It’s April, a month for gentle showers, planting flowers, and focusing on elderly and disabled people in minority communities. Yes, it’s National Minority Health Month. Let’s look at the unique challenges minorities face and how senior services in PA can help.

The Origins of National Minority Health Month

This month’s awareness focus has its origins in 1915, when Booker T. Washington sought to bring health awareness to African American communities. In 2002, the US Congress officially recognized his efforts and designated April as National Minority Health Month. The purpose of this month is to,

• Build awareness about the disproportionate burden of illness and premature death among people of color
• Encourage action through education, detection, and treatment

Why Addressing Health Disparities Matters

A 2011 study found that if preventable diseases such as hypertension and stroke were addressed in Latino and African American communities to the same degree as they were in non-Latino white communities, we would save almost $24 billion dollars in health care costs. While the amount of money alone is staggering, it points to something far more important: the number of people who suffer and die because of disparities in our healthcare system.

These are problems that persist over ten years after this study, as people of color are still more likely to be ignored or have their concerns dismissed. For example, black women are more likely to have complaints about pain being ignored compared to white women, which contributes to black women being more likely to die in childbirth compared to white women. Considering the risks that people of all ethnic and racial groups face as they age, such as osteoporosis and the increased risk of injury from falls, you can see how this disparity in treatment can result in poor outcomes for people of color.

How Senior Services in PA Help Overcome Health Care Disparities

At AmeriBest Home Care, we ensure that our caregivers provide help for seniors in Philadelphia that addresses all their concerns. As we tailor our services to the individual needs of patients and families, we listen to not only understand the care services they want but the care they receive currently and in the past from other health providers. Through attention and care, in-home care professionals can help seniors get the healthcare they need by,

• Ensuring healthcare providers understand the severity and impact of the condition in question
• Noting and relating symptoms that a patient displays regularly that they may not consider
• Acting as an advocate for care
• Supporting the prescribed care plan and delivering care at home

Are You Looking for Help for Seniors in Philadelphia, PA?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right care for you or your loved one. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our program coordinators.

Aging with comfort is important, but sometimes you need a little help with medical expenses. This is especially true if you have a chronic health condition. Fortunately, Medicaid in Philadelphia is available to those who need assistance with medical expenses. So, let’s look at what Medicaid (Medical Assistance) is, who is eligible, and how to apply.

What Is Medicaid?

Medical Assistance, or Medicaid, is a program that pays for health care and mental health services for eligible individuals. Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal government and states and is meant to provide those with low income or have special needs with the medical coverage they need.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, Medicaid or Medical Assistance eligibility is grouped two ways:

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)

• Pregnant women
• Children 18 and under
• Parents and caregivers of children under 21
• Adults 19-64 whose income is at or below 133% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines
• Family planning services

Non-MAGI

• Individuals 65 and older
• Individuals who are blind and/or disabled
• Medical Assistance Workers with Disabilities
• Individuals receiving long-term care or home and community-based services

What Income is Counted Towards Eligibility?

Generally, the following income is taken into consideration when determining Medical Assistance eligibility,

• Wages
• Interest
• Dividends
• Social Security
• Veterans’ Benefits (except for MAGI MA)
• Pensions
• Spouse’s income if living with them

Different groups may have different income requirements. At AmeriBest, we can educate you on requirements based on your specific situation.

How Do You Apply for Medicaid in Philadelphia?

The Department of Human Services provides multiple ways for Philadelphia residents to apply for Medical Assistance. This allows you to choose the method that best meets your needs. If you don’t know if you’re eligible, you can still apply:

• Online using the COMPASS
• By calling 1-866-550-4355 to apply online
• In person at your local county assistance office (CAO)
• By downloading or picking up a paper application from your local CAO and mailing it to them when you complete the application.

Do You Need Medical Assistance (Medicaid)?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right care for you or your loved one. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our program coordinators. We can educate you on eligibility requirements and guide you through the application process.

If you live with a family member with disabilities or are caring for elderly parents, choosing care can be a hard decision. While the goal of living and aging at home is to live independently, the process of finding quality home care can be less empowering than it should be. That’s why AmeriBest Home Care works closely with families to tailor care, including working with the Agency with Choice program.

What Is Agency with Choice?

To help provide individuals and families more control over their in-home health care, the Office of Developmental Programs made Participant Direction Services (PDS) available. Agency with Choice is one of these services, allowing individuals or their representatives to have direct supervisory control over the care services they receive while the Financial Management Services (FMS), such as AmeriBest Home Care, handles the employer-related paperwork such as payroll and tax records.

What’s the Difference Between Agency with Choice and Contracting through a Care Agency?

Agency with Choice provides individuals and their families with more control over their care. When you contract with an agency like AmeriBest to supervise your care, the standards your caregiver meets are determined by the company. While you are the patient and client the caregiver is responsible for, the agency still acts as their direct supervisor.

With Agency with Choice, the caregiver is considered an employee of AmeriBest for the purposes of payroll, tax, and other employment considerations. However, you directly supervise and manage the care they provide. This makes it easier to tailor the services you need and empowers you or your representative to directly supervise your care.

Who Is Eligible?

Individuals who live with a disability or autism and live at home or with a family member or friend may be eligible for Agency with Choice. Not all in-home care services may qualify for the program. However, services typically covered include,

• In-home and community support services
• Companion services
• Respite services
• Homemaker and chore services

Is Agency with Choice in Philadelphia Right for You?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right care for you or your loved one. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our program coordinators.