Like anything in life - you get what you pay for.  Employing staff that have specific knowledge, skills and licensure is not cheap, so if you find an agency that seems like a "cut rate" or "bargain", be cautious.  You are entrusting them with someone's life.

     That being said, you should find that within the level of service you are seeking (i.e. comparing supportive care agency to supportive care agency), rates should be very similar amongst agencies.  If you discover a company that is very low or high, ask questions.  Too low of a rate could mean a company that is not providing education and oversight to their staff, while an agency that is at the high end  might be charging for things you do not need.  Keep in mind what level of care is approriate to your situation.  For instance, do not compare rates of a skilled nursing agency to a supportive care agency, they will always be very different due to the licensure of staff employed.

     The following is a list of common ways to pay for home care within Arizona:

Medicare

The most commonly asked question we receive is, "Will Medicare coverage pay for this?".  The answer is yes and no. 

• If skilled nursing care is necessary and a doctor has written an order for it, then yes, there should be some Medicare coverage for those eligible.  You will have to find out what is specifically covered and for how long.  Very often the Medicare coverage helps with only a portion of what is needed.
• If skilled nursing is not necessary, and supportive care, adult care home placement or assisted living placement is sought, then the answser is no, Medicare will not cover these types of services.

For more information on Medicare coverage, click here.  You will be redirected to the federal web site of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), consumer branch.  The phone number for CMS is 1-800-633-4227.

Medicaid

What is Medicaid?  It is a state and federally funded health care program requiring the recipient to meet income requirements determined by the state in order to be eligible.  Click here for eligibility requirements.

Arizona is fairly unique, as it has one of only a very few managed health care systems in the nation for its senior and disabled population who have chronic, long term illnesses.

Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS) provides persons with chronic, long term illnesses a case manager to assist in managing their care and determining the appropriate level of care they need.  These services include in-home supportive care, nursing care and facility placement.

Within this system, family members can be paid to care for an eligible family member.  At Home Solutions is a contracted agency within the ALTCS system, currently employing nearly 150 family members within several counties in Arizona.

Government Agencies on Aging

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging provides advocacy, action and answers on aging - learn more about them through their website, www.n4a.org.

Local chapters of the Area Agency on Aging operate within each state.  Local chapters can provide information on services for family members and seniors 60+, such as meals at home, congregate meals, socialization, respite care, caregiver training and support groups, adult day care, personal care, lifeline emergency response and other care services.   The Phoenix Chapter  is called Region One, www.aaaphx.org.

Long Term Care Insurance

This insurance must be purchased prior to needing long term care.  The eligibility for the insurance is based on your current health.  Therefore, if you are already ill, you probably will not be insurable.

Most financial planners recommend that LTC insurance be purchased in your late 50's or early 60's.  In this range the cost is quite affordable and your health is probably still pretty good.  The premiums are based on your age, health, and the type of plan that you purchase.