When the time comes for home care assistance, a million questions come up, all of which are important. As you ponder the changes, make a list of your most important questions so you can ask about them with your doctors and navigators whose job it is to make your life easier. Let’s face it, there is a ton of paperwork involved in applying for home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA, but we are here to help!
Medicare can help you find professional in-home caregivers in Harrisburg PA, such as AmeriBest Home Care. The State of Pennsylvania offers various senior services, including not only home care assistance, but home modifications, durable medical equipment, and personal response systems, as well. Beyond that, your chosen agency should be able to help you apply for personal care services
How to Apply for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg PA
If you are 65 or older, or under 65 with a qualifying disability, you are eligible for some form of help from Medicare and Medicaid. You may have personal insurance that handles some percentage of professional caregiving like AmeriBest offers.
Social Security
The process for Medicaid begins at Social Security. It is by far the fastest way of signing up. Better still, you can do it online. You can do this yourself or get someone you know and trust to help with making your account and signing up for benefits. If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213, or you can make an appointment at your local social security office.
The Benefits
Medicare will cover some level of in-home services when ordered by a physician. However, it must be medically necessary. Assistance with daily living needs will not be covered unless they are part of a skilled services plan of care.
Thankfully, Pennsylvania offers home and community-based waiver services (HCBS). This program provides greater support for caregiving beyond medically necessary options. The idea is to keep people in their community and home rather than in long-term care facilities. Note that there are several HCBS programs, and you can only utilize one at a time.
Long-Term Insurance
If you purchased and maintained a long-term insurance policy, stick with it. The benefits vary, but it’s a great way to plan ahead before you reach the age of 50. Beyond the age of 60, it becomes far more difficult to obtain this coverage that could help with in-home care.
Life Insurance
If you have a life insurance policy, it may be possible to use it in order to pay for home care. You can take a loan from it or surrender it for its cash value. It is important to review the stipulations of your policy plan with your insurer, so you know the best actions to take, and when.
There is also life insurance conversion. Instead of getting a lump sum, you will receive a specific amount for elder care services such as long-term care. This is a separate account that can only be used for home care services. When used properly, this option will not affect your eligibility for Medicaid.
Why AmeriBest for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg, PA?
The professionals at AmeriBest Home Care stay on top of the ever-changing face of caregiving services. We can share with you the latest programs or revisions to old ones. If you are a veteran, you may qualify for VA benefits as a payment option. Or, you might look to a pension, personal savings, a reverse mortgage, or Supportive Service through the Older Americans Act, which is indented to provide funds for resources they might not otherwise afford.
We are happy to review all your options so you can make the best choice for you and your family. Use our online contact form, email info@ameribest.org, or call 1800-HOMECARE today!
