How Much Is Home Health Care in New York?

The need for home health care continues to grow across the United States. At least 25% of New York residents will be aged 60 or older by 2030. As a result, nearly 1 million individuals in New York will require home health care by 2035. With the strain on resources and a labor shortage, many families are understandably looking for a reliable, sustainable home health care program for their loved ones. 

Fortunately, there are New York-based home care options that meet the needs of patients of all ages. Whether you're looking for around-the-clock care for your parent with dementia or supervision after a traumatic brain injury, you can find devoted home caregivers. Here's what you need to know about finding a home health care provider in New York.

How Much Does Medicare Pay for Home Health Care in NY?

Certain home health services are completely covered by Medicare if your loved one is considered homebound, which means:

• Their condition prevents them from leaving the home without major effort.
• Leaving their home is not recommended by medical professionals.
• They cannot leave the home without help from another person due to injury or illness.

If your loved one is homebound, Medicare will cover part-time or intermittent home health services for their needs. Some of these services include:

• Injections and IV therapy.
• Patient and caregiver education.
• Monitoring for unstable health status or serious illness.
• Wound care.
• Physical or occupational therapy.
• Speech-language pathology services.
• Medical social services.
• Assistance with walking, feeding, bathing or grooming.
• Medical supplies for home use.

Under Medicare, you may have to pay for certain home health care services like:

• Twenty percent of the Medicare-approved amount for medical equipment, such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs and walkers.
• Routine foot care.
• Other services and supplies that Medicare will not cover in your case.

Will Medicaid Pay for 24-Hour Home Care in New York?

Your loved one may be eligible for 24-hour home care under Medicaid in New York. However, they must receive a comprehensive assessment to determine the level of care they require and whether around-the-clock supervision is necessary.

For example, if your loved one has an advanced stage of disease, severe mobility issues or a medical condition that requires constant monitoring, they may be eligible for live-in care or split shifts from different caregivers.

Medicare, on the other hand, will not pay for 24-hour-a-day care at your home in New York. It will also not cover:

• Assistance with daily living activities, like bathing and dressing, if it's the only care your loved one needs.
• Home meal delivery services.
• Shopping, laundry and cleaning services unrelated to your loved one's care plan.

Is Home Health Care Worth the Price?

If your loved one's home health care is partially or entirely covered under Medicaid or Medicare, it can be a cost-effective option compared to an assisted living facility or alternative. For example, if your parent has a chronic condition like diabetes and requires help with medication and equipment management, home health care can be a great option. 

In fact, research shows that home health care interventions are cost-saving and as effective as hospital care. Additionally, many individuals who require part-time or intermittent care prefer to receive it at home. Home health care eliminates the need for patients to find transportation to and from their appointments and can reduce the physical strain or effort it takes to leave the house.

Patients who receive home-based care may also be less likely to be admitted or readmitted to the hospital for an injury or illness, which can save on medical bills and improve patient outcomes. Home health care provides a smooth transition from a hospital to the home and can help cover care coordination gaps.

If you do not have Medicaid, Medicare or other form of health insurance for home health services, you can generally expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $30 an hour for a home health aide (HHA) or registered nurse. However, this hourly rate can vary based on your needs, agency fees and the medical professional's experience.

New York Medicaid Home Care Eligibility

Home care services have different eligibility requirements, particularly depending on whether you have Medicaid, Medicare or both. Under Medicaid in New York State, your loved one may be eligible for personal care services at home if:

• They can self-direct their care or have someone else who can.
• Their condition is stable.
• Their need for assistance cannot be met by informal caregivers or specialized equipment, such as a walker.

Under Medicare, you will not qualify for covered home health benefits if you require more than part-time care. For example, an individual who requires seven days a week of skilled nursing care will likely not receive coverage for home health services.

However, your loved one may be eligible to use some home health benefits if they meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

• They're under the care of a provider and receiving regular services as part of their care plan.
• Their provider certifies that they require intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy or other HHA services.
• Their provider certifies that they are homebound.
• The home health agency you choose is Medicare-certified.

How to Find a Licensed Home Health Care Provider in New York

Every home health care agency is different. Some agencies may only serve patients of a certain age or those with around-the-clock needs. However, there are home care agencies that provide services for patients of all ages and their families. If you're looking for New York-based home care, here are some important questions to consider:

• Are they licensed or Medicare-certified?
• Do they meet your loved one's specific needs, challenges and care preferences?
• Have they explained what out-of-pocket costs will be after insurance, if any?
• Do they have testimonials and reviews from satisfied patients and family members?
• Can they build a personalized care plan for your loved one?

You can also check out the Medicare home health agency checklist to help you find the right fit. 

Get a Free In-Home Consultation With Attending Home Care in New York

Having someone come into your home to help your loved one with a medical condition, illness or injury is a big decision. If you're looking for a home health care provider in New York, consider the dedicated caregivers at Attending Home Care.

We know that finding a compassionate medical professional to care for your loved one can make all the difference. That's why we offer a complimentary in-home consultation to help you find the perfect caregiver. Whether you have Medicaid, Medicare or private health insurance, we'll help you navigate the eligibility requirements and complexities. 

Our HHAs can assist patients of all ages. From care and companionship to post-hospital visits, our comprehensive services cover a wide range of needs. Contact us today to speak with a health care specialist about your loved one's personalized care plan!

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