Medicare Blog

get paid to take care of parents in ny state who have medicare

by Tommie Funk Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

CDPAP, or the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, is a New York State Medicaid program that allows beneficiaries to hire their family members and friends for caregiving services. You read that right, with CDPAP your family members can get paid to take care of you.

New York's Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFLBL)
It allows people employed in New York state to take 12 weeks of paid leave each year to care for elderly relatives suffering from a severe health condition, including Alzheimer's or other age-related disabilities.
Jul 18, 2019

Full Answer

How much do you get paid to take care of elderly parents?

In most cases, an adult child can get paid between $9 and $19.50 per hour to care for their elderly parents. The rates vary by state. What states pay family caregivers? Almost every state provides some form of pay for family caregivers, and some states — including Arizona and California — will even pay for spouses to be caregivers.

Does Medicaid pay for family members to take care of parents?

However, some state Medicaid programs do pay family members to provide care. Medicaid caregiver pay varies per state, but all states (and the District of Columbia) offer Medicaid waivers that allow qualified individuals to manage their own care. This means your parent can hire and fire their own caregivers.

Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver?

Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver? You may be able to receive payment for your services as a caregiver, but there is no current Medicare caregiver program to help make it happen. Resources vary from state to state, and you may not always be eligible to receive help.

Do caregivers get paid in New York State?

While, one is not formally being paid to be a caregiver, they do continue to receive compensation from their job while they are caring for their relative. This is a rather new law in New York, which became effective January 1, 2018.

Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in NY?

Yes, New York residents can be paid as family caregivers, but they must meet their program's eligibility requirements. There are several programs available to New York residents that will pay caregivers for providing assistance to their loved ones.

Does Medicare pay you to take care of your parents?

This percentage varies, but California provides up to 60 – 70% of your pay up to a maximum amount of $1,300 per week. It covers situations where the person being cared for has a serious health condition, such as an illness, injury, or physical or mental impairments, and it requires a medical provider's certification.

How much does Medicaid pay for family caregivers in NY?

Your family caregiver's total salary will depend on the amount of hours they work. Our hourly pay rates range between $13.20 – $19.09 per hour and $19.80 – $28.63 per overtime hour.

Will Social Security pay me for taking care of my mother?

Unfortunately, the simple answer is no. Social Security programs don't directly pay caregivers. However, there are still many ways a caregiver can interact with Social Security programs to benefit a loved one.

How do I get paid by the state for taking care of someone in New York?

New York's Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFLBL) It allows people employed in New York state to take 12 weeks of paid leave each year to care for elderly relatives suffering from a severe health condition, including Alzheimer's or other age-related disabilities.

How much does freedom care pay in NY?

How much does Freedom Care in New York State pay? The average Freedom Care salary ranges from approximately $21,130 per year for Caregiver to $103,945 per year for Software Engineer. Average Freedom Care hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.00 per hour for Assistant to $27.39 per hour for Data Entry Clerk.

How do I become a caregiver for a family member?

Determine your eligibility for Medicaid's Self-Directed Services. Opt into a home and community-based services program. Determine whether your loved one is eligible for Veterans Aid. Determine whether your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy that provides for caregiver compensation.

Can a family member be a paid carer?

Can I be paid to care for a family member? Whilst someone is mentally capable, it is of course up to them what they do with their money and whether they want to pay a relative to provide their care. However, that cost must be affordable, sustainable and reasonable in relation to the amount of care they receive.

How Long Will Medicare pay for home health care?

Medicare pays your Medicare-certified home health agency one payment for the covered services you get during a 30-day period of care. You can have more than one 30-day period of care. Payment for each 30-day period is based on your condition and care needs.

Who qualifies for home health care services?

The patient must be homebound as required by the payer. The patient must require skilled qualifying services. The care needed must be intermittent (part time.) The care must be a medical necessity (must be under the care of a physician.)

How do I get paid for taking care of a family member with a disability in Texas?

How to Get Paid as a Caregiver in TexasOverview.Texas Medicaid Programs.State Funded Programs.Veterans' Programs.Long Term Care Insurance.

How do I get paid for taking care of a family member with a disability in PA?

A family member can get paid to be a home caregiver in Pennsylvania through Medicaid or an agency. There are Medicaid programs that allow you to hire caregivers at your discretion, including family.

How much does a home health aide cost in New York?

According to a state-by-state pricing guide published by Genworth, a family services financial care company, the median hourly rate for home health aide services in New York is $23 per hour. Be sure to check for prices in your state.

How much do you need to be a nursing home resident to qualify for medicaid?

In general, however, these are the financial requirements to qualify for a Medicaid program. The applicants have an annual income under $25,000.

What is CDPAP in NY?

1. The NY State Medicaid CDPAP program. CDPAP, or the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, is a New York State Medicaid program that allows beneficiaries to hire their family members and friends for caregiving services. You read that right, with CDPAP your family members can get paid to take care of you.

What percentage of caregivers get tax credits?

IRS tax credits for family caregivers. If you’re one of the 42 percent of caregivers that spend more than $5,000 a year on unreimbursed care for your family member, there are specific IRS tax credits that might provide some relief for you. Here are some of the tax credits you can claim as a caregiver.

What is a family care agreement?

A Family Care Agreement is a binding contract. It is also called a caregiver contract, or elder care contract. Having a written agreement in place will provide you with the peace of mind that you’re getting compensated for your efforts. It can also help the care recipient not feel like they're a burden on you.

What percentage of long term care is provided by family members?

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA), friends and family members provide almost 80 percent of long-term family care.

What states have paid leave laws?

If you don’t live in New York, the only other states that currently have paid leave laws are California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia (DC) . 9. Work remotely as you care for your family member. Another option for you to earn an income as you care for your family member is to work from home.

Where do eligible care recipients receive care?

Eligible care recipients must receive the care in their homes, in their caregiver’s home, or in independent living communities of the type that do not offer care support (i.e. assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and walking).

How much is the IRS credit for caregivers?

The IRS Tax Credit: the IRS’s Credit for Caring Act gives eligible family caregivers the opportunity to obtain a tax credit equal to 30% of expenditures outlaid on behalf of their loved one in excess of $2,000 a year, up to a maximum credit of $3,000 a year.

How much did caregivers spend on caregiving in 2016?

According to the AARP (membership association for people 50+ years of age – it has tens of millions members), family caregivers spent $7,000 in 2016, on average, for their loved one’s needs apart from the actual caregiving.

What is a caregiver contract?

Also referred to as a personal care agreement, or elder care contract, a caregiver contract is a formal agreement, usually among family members, to provide that the person providing care to a loved one be compensated, particularly if he or she has to let go of a job so as to care for the elderly parent or relative.

How many people are caring for an elderly relative?

Caring for an older relative: The American population of spouse and adult children caregivers is nearly 70 million strong. According to the Pew Research Center, over one half of those are adult children caring for an elderly parent, and almost one quarter (24%) are those assisting aging spouses.

What percentage of family caregivers are affected by Alzheimer's?

Family caregivers and health issues: A little over 50% of all family caregivers care for a family member with Alzheimer’s (AD) and another 23% assisting persons with other dementias. Parkinson’s disease (PD) and heart-issues (including strokes) come next among the health issues that concern family caregivers.

What is a sister program?

A sister program is CDPAS – Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services. This decides on the type of services you need, for example, assistance with companionship and/or activities of daily living. As far as you are concerned, the two programs are in essence the same.

How much does a caregiver spend on home care?

The average caregiver spends 20 hours a week caring for their loved ones and spends an average of $5,500 each year out-of-pocket. At Medicare Plan Finder, we know how hard you work and how much you deserve financial ...

How many Americans are caregivers?

Caregiver. There are close to 34 million Americans providing care for their parents, and many are not compensated for their time. The value that caregivers provide for “free” is estimated to reach $375 billion annually. That’s double the amount of what is actually spent on homecare services. Being a caregiver is rewarding, but it comes at a cost.

Can a family member be hired to provide care?

Certain states will permit a family member to be hired to provide the care. The eligibility, benefits, coverage, and rules will vary depending on which state you live in. Some may pay for family caregivers but exclude spouses or in-laws.

Can a veteran be a caregiver?

If your parent is a veteran, they may qualify for the Veteran Directed Home & Community Based Care program. This program is available in 37 states and the District of Columbia. It provides several medical benefits to people who need a high level of nursing facility care, but want to live at home with a caregiver.

Can you write off medical expenses?

You may be able to write off certain expenses like dental costs, medical costs, home modifications, and transportation costs. Payment From a Family Member: Asking for payment from your parents or another family member may be awkward or uncomfortable.

Can you get compensation if you don't live in the same house?

Others may only provide compensation if you do not live in the same house as the person in your care. When you are researching programs in your state, be conscious of program names. Each state will have a different name (Self-Directed Care, In-Home Supportive Services, etc.).

Is it important to feel supported as a caregiver?

There’s no doubting the weight that caring for a loved one can put on your shoulders. If you’re a caregiver, it’s crucial you feel supported so you can continue to help your loved one on a daily basis. Medicare Plan Finder’s Caregiver Support page provides caregiver information specific to your loved one’s needs.

Caregiving for Medicaid Recipients

Medicaid is the most common way family members can receive compensation or assistance for being caregivers. There are four types of programs within Medicaid that enable family members to receive payment for being caregivers.

Adult Foster Care

Adult foster care is care provided to older individuals or adults with developmental disabilities in a home setting instead of a nursing facility or assisted living. Adult foster care provides personalized, quality care such as cleaning, meal preparation, medication assistance, personal care, and shopping.

Caregiving Programs for Veterans

Veterans are eligible for various programs, such as veteran-directed care and housebound benefits. Family caregivers play an important role in helping veterans with daily tasks, as well as their health and well-being.

Nursing Home Diversion Programs

Nursing home diversion programs allow older adults and people with disabilities the freedom and flexibility of staying in their homes instead of relocating to a nursing home or assisted-living facility.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is an important part of the financial planning process for both caregivers and their parents. If you are a caregiver to your parents or loved ones, you know you have a responsibility to care for and support them. If anything were to happen to you, though, it’s good to have a contingency plan.

Long-Term Care Insurance

If you are an aging senior, you’re likely to require long-term care insurance and other forms of assistance to take care of yourself. Long-term-care insurance helps individuals who require long-term care and assistance with daily tasks at home or in a community setting.

Paid Family Leave Laws

Several states provide paid family leave for individuals who need to take time off to care for an ill loved one. In New Jersey, for example, an individual can receive paid leave to care for a family member who has a serious health condition.

Through your local Area Agency on Aging

Your local Area Agency on Aging may be able to provide more detailed information on whether your state’s medicaid program will pay a family member to provide care to a Medicaid recipient.

Through additional state-sponsored support programs

As stated, it is possible to receive financial assistance for family caregiving through certain state programs. The American Elder Care Research Organization provides a detailed listing of state-sponsored Medicaid and non-Medicaid programs that you may be eligible for.

Through disease-specific organizations

Some diseases, disabilities, and conditions may also carry specific organizations, like CancerCare for example, that may offer grants or other financial assistance to those diagnosed with the disease and the family members who care for them.

Through County Veterans Service Officers

County Veterans Service Officers may provide assistance in obtaining veterans benefits and can even help you answer your questions regarding the rules and regulations that surround veterans and survivors of veterans.

How can I get my caregiver services covered through Medicare?

While Original Medicare does not usually cover custodial caregivers unless these services are short-term and provided by medical professionals, there are some circumstances where a Medicare Advantage plan can provide this much needed coverage.

Getting Paid by Medicaid to Take Care of a Loved One

If you’re caring for a senior who’s enrolled in your state Medicaid program, they may be eligible to receive funding to pay you for your services. While each state has different eligibility requirements and waivers, most states provide programs for older adults that allow them to access self-directed care.

What To Expect When Using Medicaid Self-Directed Services

Seniors and other adults who direct their own care as part of a Medicaid program described above are required to follow certain rules and regulations when selecting their caregiver and determining the services they’ll receive.

Veterans Benefits for Family Caregivers

Seniors receiving benefits from Veterans Affairs (VA) may be able to enroll in benefits to help them pay for a family caregiver. If you’re caring for someone who has served in any branch of the U.S. military, they should receive a monthly pension from the VA that can be partially used to pay for their care.

Tax Benefits for Caregivers

The IRS provides several provisions for claiming dependents, including those you’re providing care to, such as elderly parents or other relatives, on your annual income tax return. If you choose to take advantage of any of these benefits, be sure to keep detailed records and copies of receipts for any related medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Speak with your parents about benefits they may be eligible for, such as Medicaid waivers and Veterans Affairs programs that can help them pay for in-home care. Some of these programs allow elderly adults to direct their own care, which means they have the option of hiring family caregivers and using the benefits to pay for your services. 

How much does a caregiver get paid per hour?

In very approximate terms, caregivers can expect to be paid between $9.00 – $19.25 per hour. It is important to note that the phrase “consumer direction” is not used in all states.

What is the caregiver exemption?

The Caregiver Exemption is also referred to as the Child Caregiver Exception. This option does not directly pay the adult child for their caregiving efforts on an hourly basis, but instead compensates them indirectly. To better understand this option, some background information on Medicaid eligibility is required. Eligibility for elderly persons is based largely on their income and their assets. One’s home, provided it is lived in by the Medicaid participant, is considered an exempt asset. However, if one moves from their home (into a nursing home, for example), then their home is no longer considered an exempt asset (unless their spouse lives there or the Medicaid recipient expresses an intent to return home). When the elderly person passes away, their state may try to take the home or some of the home’s value as reimbursement for the elderly person’s care. This is known as Medicaid Estate Recovery.

What is Medicaid estate recovery?

This is known as Medicaid Estate Recovery. The Caregiver Exemption allows the adult child who provides care for their elderly parent in their parent’s home to inherit the home, instead of the state taking the home under Estate Recovery rules. There are additional requirements.

What is a medicaid waiver?

The first and most common Medicaid option is Medicaid Waivers. These are often called HCBS Waivers, short for Home and Community Based Services, or 1915 (c) Waivers or occasionally Section 1115 Waivers. Waivers allow states to pay for care and support services for individuals residing outside of nursing homes. Commonly, they pay for personal care (assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and mobility) and chore services provided for elderly or disabled persons who live in their homes or the homes of family members.

What is the role of caregiver in an aging parent?

The caregiver / child is responsible for providing personal care, assistance with the activities of daily living, meals, transportation to medical appointments, and other supports.

What is the most common source of payment for family members?

Medicaid Options. Of all the programs that pay family members as caregivers, Medicaid is the most common source of payment. Medicaid has eligibility requirements that apply to the program participant and it has rules that dictate who is allowed to provide them with care.

How long do you have to live in a nursing home for an adult child?

There are additional requirements. The adult child must live in the home with their parent and provide care for at least two years. The level of care they provide must prevent their parent from being placed in a nursing home and they must have the medical documentation to validate this fact.

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