Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)

Summary

This program provides subsidy payments to help caregivers maintain low-income seniors in their own home or in the home of a caregiver. The senior must be at risk for nursing home placement. The monthly subsidy payment is made to the caregiver for support and health maintenance and to assist with specialized health care needs.

History

Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) seeks to prevent premature or inappropriate institutionalization by helping caregivers of frail, low-income seniors. HCE provides a financial subsidy to caregivers of persons aged 60+ who are eligible for nursing home care through Medicaid, but who are receiving care in a family-type living arrangement in the community.

There are two types of HCE subsidies. Basic subsidy is a set monthly payment made to the caregiver to assist with the general cost of providing care. The payment amount is based on the income of the person receiving the care, but is generally $106 per month. Special subsidy is a flexible payment that reimburses caregivers for purchases of special supplies, equipment, or services needed to maintain the health and well-being of the elderly person. This supplement is not received by every HCE client and varies in amount per month. HCE is managed by the lead agency in each county and subsidy payments are made through the Area Agency on Aging.