Government programs that help you stay at home.
Although Medicaid generally is thought of as the government program that pays for the cost of long term nursing home care, there are Medicaid and other government programs that assist elderly or disabled residents receive care at home. Most programs have income and asset eligibility limitations, but in some cases the limitations are surprisingly generous. Here are some of the more prominent programs.
- The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) is administered by the Department of Social Services. It can pay for home health aides, companions, adult day care, transportation to medical appointments, and related services that make it easier to stay at home.
- The CONNPACE program is administered by the Department of Social Services and provides assistance with the cost of prescription medicine.
- Medicare home care benefits are part of the coverage available through Medicare Part A. Services can include intermittent skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, and home health aides.
- Medicare hospice services are part of the coverage available through Medicare Part A. Services include prescription medicine, nursing and other medical care, and grief counseling.
- Veterans and surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for what is referred to as the Aid and Attendance Benefit. The Aid and Attendance Benefit is a monthly cash payment made to the veteran or surviving spouse. The program is administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The goal of each program is to make it easier for an elderly or disabled family member to stay at home. We would be pleased to meet with you to help you assess whether a family member is eligible for one or more of these important government benefit programs.