The Value of Hiring a Medicaid Specialist for Home Care Needs

Navigating the complexities of Medicaid approval for home care services can be daunting and time-consuming. For individuals already shouldering the financial burden and emotional strain of providing care themselves, seeking assistance from a Medicaid specialist can be a game changer.

When filing for yourself, you may have a variety of questions swirling around in your brain. What happens after you receive your Medicaid card? How do you get services? Who do you call? I hear there are two NYS assessments to access home care? How do I schedule them? How can I get the maximum hours awarded? What is the best home care plan for me and how can I access these services? And surely many more. Hiring a Medicaid specialist can reduce your stress with guidance and support; you have them for every step of the way. The following lays out why it is crucial to have your Medicaid specialist when seeking Medicaid-covered home care:

Expedited Approval Process

Applying for Medicaid on your own can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months, prolonging financial strain and stress. Any missteps in the process can take up hours of your precious time caught in a maze of bureaucracy and cause delays in accessing care. With their experience, a knowledgeable Medicaid specialist can significantly reduce this timeframe, often getting approval within 2 to 6 weeks, on average. This expedited process translates to immediate relief, saving resources and time.

Access to Home Care Services 

Once Medicaid approval is obtained, the next hurdle is accessing home care services. Attempting this independently can lead to delays of an additional 2 to 4 months. However, with the knowledge of a Medicaid specialist, individuals can typically enter a home care program within 6 to 12 weeks. This streamlined approach ensures timely access to essential services, alleviating the burden of caregiving.

Cost Savings

Paying for home care out of pocket can quickly deplete savings. With average home health agency rates at $35/hr, the cost of just 20 hours per week could be $2800/month while 24 hour care could be over $13,000/month. The financial impact can be significant with delays. By expediting the approval process and accessing Medicaid-covered home care, individuals can avoid these exorbitant costs, preserving their financial resources for other needs

*Originally written for Medicaid Solutions and the Senior Voice