Hiring Family and Friends as Medicaid Caregivers

If the person you're caring for is eligible for Medicaid -- the state and federal healthcare program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities -- he may be able to use family or friends as paid in-home caregivers.

Different states have different Medicaid eligibility criteria and programs, but many allow family and friends to become paid caregivers. To participate, the care receiver must qualify for in-home care, based on his condition, finances, and other factors. Potential caregivers are screened and trained by local government agencies, such as the county, before they can work. The government pays them an hourly rate; the care receiver doesn’t need to make any monetary transactions.

To see if this program is available for the person in your care, contact his county’s senior services department. Or check with the Local Area Agency on Aging for the appropriate Medicaid contact.