Getting Started

If you are just beginning your search for home care, one of the first questions might be around home care cost. Services are usually paid directly by the person receiving care (private pay) or through long-term care insurance or Medicaid. Outreach is already partnered with most insurance companies, as well as local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and VA programs.

While these can vary based on needs of the individual, here are a few common tasks a caregiver can help a family with:

• Bathing, grooming, using the restroom, and dressing
• Shopping
• Meal planning, assistance with dietary restrictions, and cooking
• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Errands
• Medication reminders
• Companionship and social support

Medicaid is health insurance that is great for those with low income or certain health conditions. Medicaid covers a continuum of long-term services and supports, ranging from home to community-based services (HCBS). Long-term services include home care services that are there to enable persons to live independently in their own homes or in other community settings. Eligibility can vary by income, household size, and citizenship status.

While both income and assets are considered for Medicaid eligibility purposes, the limits vary based on the state in which one resides and the program for which one is applying.

See state-specific Medicaid eligibility requirements for home care here. (State Specific Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (medicaidplanningassistance.org)

Being over the income and/or asset limit(s) does not mean that one cannot qualify for Medicaid. Certain higher-end assets, such as one’s home or furnishings, are generally exempt or stated differently and not counted towards Medicaid’s asset limit.

In order to be eligible for in-home care, a functional need threshold, also referred to as a medical need, must also be met. This could include the client requiring help with mobility, transferring from a bed to a chair, toiletry, bathing, doing laundry, or meal preparation. This assessment will most likely be conducted by your Medicaid Managed Care Organization’s case manager.

To apply for Medicaid in Texas: https://yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home
To apply for Medicaid in Arizona: https://des.az.gov/services/older-adults/area-agency-on-aging-locations
VA Aid and Attendance: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Once approved by Medicaid for home care services, your case manager will let you know what approved agencies are available to choose from. Outreach Health should be one of the options available to you. We hope you will trust us to provide your Home Care services!

Your case manager will send us the referral information, and we will reach out to you to schedule a time to meet you and family members that are part of your care team.

This first visit is performed by a qualified health professional to discuss all aspects of care needed and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We will then make sure to match you with the perfect caregivers and create a care plan to fit your desired schedule.

You are now part of the Outreach family! Our clients are our mission, and we will strive daily to earn and keep your trust.