August 29, 2023

Private Pay Options  

The most common way people pay for in-home care services is through private pay options. This means that the person receiving the services pays directly out of pocket. There are a variety of different payment options available, including credit cards and bank transfers. When using private pay, our team will provide you with an itemized invoice at the end of each month so that you can keep track of all charges and payments made throughout the year.  
 

Insurance Coverage  

For those who have long term care insurance, some policies may cover at least part of their in-home care costs. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine if they offer any coverage for home health services and what specific types of care they may cover. Our team is happy to help answer any questions you might have about filing insurance claims or understanding your policy’s coverage options.  
 

Medicare Advantage Plans  

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private health plan offered by an insurance company rather than through traditional Medicare. While traditional Medicare covers 80% of medically necessary expenses after meeting the deductible, many Advantage plans offer more comprehensive coverage at lower out-of-pocket costs – including coverage for home health care services like skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical social work services and more. 


Government Assistance Programs  

Some government assistance programs may help cover the cost of in-home care for those who qualify. These programs include Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state so it's important to thoroughly research which programs may be available where you live and what kind of assistance they can provide. Our team is also here to help walk you through all the necessary steps needed to apply for any type of government assistance program that may be available near you.  


Managing In-Home Care Payments: Tips and Resources  

It can be difficult to know how to budget for in-home care. You want to provide the best possible care for your loved one, but you also need to consider your own finances. There are options available that can help make paying for in-home care easier, and the experts at BrightStar Care are here to help. Here are some tips and resources from BrightStar Care on budgeting, comparing rates, and managing insurance payments.  

Budgeting for Home Care Services  

The first step in managing home care payments is creating a budget. You should consider all your expenses when calculating the amount that you can comfortably spend on in-home care services. This includes any existing medical bills or insurance costs as well as the cost of food, clothing, and other necessary items. Once you have established a budget, you will be able to more easily compare different providers’ rates to decide which will work best with your finances.  

Comparing Rates  

When it comes time to compare rates between different home health agencies, there are several things that you should take into consideration beyond just the cost. Quality of service should always come first; however, you also need to factor in convenience and accessibility when selecting an agency or provider. Additionally, ask about special discounts or promotions that may be available; many providers offer discounts for clients who pay upfront or commit to long-term service contracts.  

Managing Insurance Payments  

If you are using insurance benefits to pay for home health services, it is important to understand what those benefits cover before selecting a provider or agency. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for certain types of home health services; however, not all agencies accept all types of insurance plans so make sure that you check with each potential provider before committing to any particular plan. Additionally, if your loved one has private insurance coverage through their employer, or another source then make sure that this coverage is accepted by the agency prior to signing up for any services.               

  

Let BrightStar Help! 

Paying for in-home care services doesn't have to be complicated or stressful when you know all your options before deciding on what works best for your budget and lifestyle needs. Whether it's private pay, insurance coverage, or government assistance programs, there are many ways to ensure that receiving quality home health care is within reach for everyone who needs it. If you're considering BrightStar Care's services but don't know how to make it work financially-don't worry! Our team is here every step of the way and ready to answer any questions or concerns you might have about paying for our top-notch home health care service offerings! Contact us today at 703.267.2380 to learn more! 

 

Sources: 

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2017/afford-a-homecare-worker.html(Opens in a new window)  

https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Homemaker_and_Home_Health_Aide_Care.asp(Opens in a new window)  

https://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/learning-center/home-health-care.php(Opens in a new window)