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In-Home Care in West Virginia

Nicknamed “The Mountain State” for its scenic location in the Appalachians, West Virginia is one of the best retirement states. In addition to the beautiful surroundings, seniors who settle here can look forward to a low cost of living and access to high-performing hospitals, including the West Virginia University Health System and Charleston Area Medical Center. With these advantages, it’s no surprise that seniors represent 20.5% of the West Virginia population, compared to just 16.5% of the nation.

Home care services can help West Virginia seniors continue to enjoy living at home. In-home care provides nonclinical assistance with day-to-day living, such as personal care, housekeeping and transportation. This service costs an average of $3,527 per month. Home health care is a clinical service performed by a skilled nurse or other medical professionals, which is $3,575 per month.

This guide explains what you need to know about in-home care and home health care in West Virginia, from its costs and how to pay for it to several free and low-cost resources to help you age in place.

The Cost of In-Home Care in West Virginia

Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey revealed that West Virginia is an affordable place to receive in-home care. Nationally, seniors pay an average of $4,957 per month for this service, while in West Virginia, the cost is only $3,527. Seniors in neighboring states pay much higher prices than their West Virginian counterparts. In Ohio and Pennsylvania, the cost is on par with the national average, while Kentucky and Virginia are nearly as expensive at $4,767 per month.

West Virginia

$3527

The United States

$4957

Pennsylvania

$4957

Kentucky

$4767

Virginia

$4767

While in-home care is affordable in West Virginia as a whole, costs vary from one city to another. Seniors in Beckley pay the state’s lowest prices at $2,717 per month, while up in Morgantown, costs are nearly as low at $3,051. At $3,670, the monthly fee in Huntington is slightly higher than the state average. Typical in-home care costs are the highest in Charleston ($4,481) and Weirton ($4,576), though these prices are still affordable compared to national figures.

Charleston

$4481

Huntington

$3670

Morgantown

$3051

Beckley

$2717

Weirton

$4576

The type of senior care you need may affect your monthly costs. In-home care costs $3,527 per month, and home health care averages just $48 more. Adult day health care provides support during daytime hours for $1,083 per month. Seniors who can’t or don’t want to age in place may consider residential care options. Care in an assisted living facility costs an average of $4,160 per month, while for the more extensive care provided by nursing facilities, seniors can expect to pay nearly three times more.

In-Home Care

$3527

Home Health Care

$3575

Nursing Home Care

$11619

Assisted Living

$4160

Adult Day Health Care

$1083

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in West Virginia?

Home care is available through West Virginia Medicaid’s Personal Care Services program. Medicaid members who have a medical need for in-home care may receive help with personal care and light housekeeping, as well as health-related tasks. Seniors may be eligible for up to 210 hours of care per month.

Another option for seniors seeking Medicaid-funded home care is the Aged and Disabled Waiver Program. This home- and community-based services waiver provides a variety of supports to help seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Home Care Waiver Programs in West Virginia

Aged and Disabled Waiver Program

Seniors who enroll in the Aged and Disabled Waiver receive an individualized service and support plan and regular assessments to ensure the plan is meeting their needs. Some of the waiver benefits seniors may receive in their care plan include:

  • Hands-on assistance with personal care and hygiene tasks
  • Light housekeeping
  • Meal planning, grocery shopping and meal preparation
  • Transportation to medical appointments and errands
  • Personal emergency response systems

This waiver includes a self-directed service option for seniors who prefer to manage their own care. They can receive a monthly budget to spend on waiver services and may hire friends or family members as caregivers. 

Seniors may be eligible for Aged and Disabled Waiver services if they:

  • Live in West Virginia
  • Earn no more than 300% of the Supplemental Security Income monthly payment (income limit for 2022 is $2,523)
  • Have deficits in at least five daily functions, such as eating, bathing or walking
  • Want to live at home, not in a nursing facility

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in West Virginia

Seniors receiving SSI payments are automatically eligible for West Virginia Medicaid and don’t need to submit a separate application. Seniors who qualify for SSI, but aren’t receiving payments, are also eligible for Medicaid. The income limit is the federal benefit rate, which in 2022 is $841 per month for an individual and $1,261 for a couple.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in West Virginia

Income limits*Asset limits
$10,092$2,000
$15,132$3,000

*Per year

  • Live in West Virginia
  • Be a U.S. citizen (or lawfully present noncitizen)
  • Need health coverage

How to Apply for Medicaid in West Virginia

To meet the needs of Medicaid applicants, West Virginia offers several different ways to apply for the program. Seniors may choose to:

What Information You Will Need

In West Virginia, every Medicaid applicant must show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. The state may also ask to verify your income and assets. For a smooth application process, gather the necessary financial documentation before starting. Some examples of documents you might need include:

  • Pay stubs
  • Pension statements
  • Income tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Retirement account statements
  • Property deeds
  • Life insurance policies
  • Vehicle registrations

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Seniors who need help applying for West Virginia Medicaid can take advantage of one of the state’s many free information and assistance. Below, you’ll find government departments and nonprofit organizations to help you get Medicaid coverage.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources(304) 558-1700StatewideSeniors can visit the DHHR website to learn about West Virginia Medicaid, including eligibility rules and how to apply. The website also provides limited information about the Personal Care and Aged and Disabled Waiver programs. For in-person help with Medicaid, visit your local field office.
West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services(866) 767-1575StatewideThe West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services provides detailed information about the Personal Care and Aged and Disabled Waiver programs on its website. Seniors who have questions about these programs can call the Bureau’s Medicaid helpline.
West Virginia Senior Legal Aid Inc.(800) 229-5068StatewideWest Virginia Senior Legal Aid provides free legal information, advice and out-of-court advocacy to people 60 and older. Seniors can call its statewide helpline if they have questions about appealing a Medicaid denial. While the law firm doesn’t provide legal representation, it may help seniors find free attorneys.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in West Virginia?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in West Virginia

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in West Virginia

Seniors who want to live in their homes for as long as possible can take advantage of West Virginia’s many free and low-cost aging supports. There is no shortage of resources available to West Virginia seniors, from information and referral services to emergency food assistance to friendly visiting programs.

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Area Agencies on AgingContact your local AAAStatewideAAAs are one-stop shops for seniors seeking information about local programs and services. At the four AAAs in West Virginia, seniors can learn about and get help accessing community resources to help them age in place.
Division of Family Assistance(304) 558-0628StatewideWest Virginia’s Division of Family Assistance offers utility assistance programs for eligible households. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program may help seniors cover home heating costs. It also provides programs for seniors to secure discounts from their utility companies or telephone providers.
West Virginia Centers for Independent LivingContact your local CILStatewideCIL is a nonprofit agency that assists disabled residents of all ages with remaining in their homes. Its information and referral services connect seniors with benefits programs, accessible transportation, adaptive technology and other supports.
Mountaineer Food Bank(304) 364-551848 countiesMountaineer Food Bank provides emergency food assistance in 48 West Virginia counties. Through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, this nonprofit organization distributes free boxes of nutritious food to low-income seniors.
Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council Senior Companions Program(304) 422-499324 countiesThe Senior Companions program matches homebound seniors with volunteers aged 55 and older. These volunteers provide friendly visits and companionship. They can also assist with tasks such as grocery shopping and light housekeeping.
Senior Property Tax Exemption(304) 558-3333StatewideWest Virginia’s property tax exemption for homeowners 65 and older can help seniors lower their tax bills. It exempts up to $20,000 of a home’s assessed value from property tax. Seniors can apply for this exemption by contacting their County Assessor’s Office.
Lighthouse Program(877) 987-3646StatewideThe Lighthouse Program is a statewide initiative that provides home care to seniors unqualified for Medicaid. Seniors may receive up to 60 hours of non medical in-home assistance each month. The program charges sliding scale fees.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in West Virginia

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources oversees home care providers in the state. The regulations in West Virginia are based on federal home agency regulations governing agencies offering Medicaid services.

TopicRule
Scope of CareHome health agencies can provide both clinical and nonclinical services. Clinical services can include skilled nursing and physical and occupational therapy. Nonclinical support may include personal care services and homemaker support.
Care Plan RequirementsAgencies must provide each participant with a written plan of care that specifies the care and services necessary to meet their needs. It must also include the frequency and duration of visits and the goals of the treatment.
Medication Management RequirementsHome health aides can provide assistance administering medications that are normally self-administered.
Staff Screening RequirementsAll home health agencies must conduct a registry check and fingerprint-based criminal background check prior to hiring staff.
Staff Training RequirementsProfessionals providing skilled services must be licensed to provide those services. Home health aides must complete at least 75 hours of classroom and practical training prior to employment and at least 12 hours of continuing education each year. Those providing personal care services only need to be trained in the services they are providing.
Medicaid CoverageThe Medicaid Personal Care Program and Aged and Disabled Waiver will cover some or all of the cost of in-home care for those who qualify.
Reporting AbuseAbuse should be reported to Adult Protective Services by calling 1-800-352-6513.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in West Virginia

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

Download
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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