Some Medicaid home and community-based programs allow eligible participants to self-direct approved services. Whether a family member may be paid depends on the state program, the relationship, and the approved service plan. In Kansas, ask KanCare and KDADS about the applicable rules before hiring a relative.
For Kansas eligibility, authorized services, and caregiver payment rules, consult KanCare and the KDADS self-direction resources. Approval and who may be paid depend on the program and the individual service plan. Do not assume a relative or spouse can be paid without program approval.
Using Medicaid to Pay a Family Caregiver
If you are providing home care for a parent or loved one and would like to receive payments from Medicaid as his or her preferred caregiver, you can do so by going through the following steps:
- Individual needing care would apply for Medicaid.
- Once approved, they then sign-up for a specific Medicaid program that pays for home care and allows for “Consumer Direction”. Consumer Direction means the beneficiary can select their care providers rather than have Medicaid choose providers on their behalf.
- The beneficiary must confirm which workers, including any relatives, are eligible under the approved program before hiring.
- The family member/caregiver submits timesheets to and is paid by Medicaid or indirectly by a legally responsible 3rd party service.
The funds that cover Medicaid benefits come from both the federal government as well as the state. As such, the rules for governing Medicaid come from both sources, although the federal government allows the state a lot of flexibility. It’s important, therefore, to check with your state’s Medicaid regulations, qualifications, and benefits for more information.
Get Caregiver Assistance from the Leading Home Care Providers in Wichita, KS
Are you looking for a caregiver for your parent or loved one? Call (316) 570-9489 and talk to one of our staff at Devoted Helpers. We are a home care provider serving Wichita, Kansas and offer daily 24-hour living assistance, including nighttime watch and personal assistance.
