For many families, the first question about home care isn’t “what kind?” It’s “how will we pay for it?” The good news is that there’s often more than one option, and many families combine a few. Here’s a simple overview of the most common ways people in Massachusetts pay for care at home.
Private pay
Private pay simply means paying for care directly, using savings, retirement income, or help from family members. It’s the most flexible option: you choose the schedule, the type of care, and when to start, without waiting on approvals. Many families begin with private pay for a few hours a week, then adjust as needs change.
Long-term care insurance
If your loved one bought a long-term care insurance policy, it may help pay for care at home. Policies vary a lot, so it’s worth pulling out the paperwork or calling the insurance company. Questions to ask:
- Does the policy cover care at home, or only in a facility?
- Is there a waiting period before benefits begin?
- Is there a daily or lifetime limit on benefits?
- What paperwork or assessments does the insurer need to approve a claim?
Many policies start paying once a person needs help with a few everyday activities, like bathing or dressing, or has a memory condition such as dementia.
VA benefits
Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for benefits that help with the cost of home care. One example is the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit, an added monthly amount for eligible veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities. Eligibility depends on things like military service, income, and assets.
Every city and town in Massachusetts has access to a local Veterans’ Services Officer, who can help you understand what your family may qualify for and how to apply. Your loved one’s VA health care team is another good place to ask.
MassHealth (Medicaid)
MassHealth is the Massachusetts Medicaid program. For people who qualify, it may help cover certain in-home care services. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and the level of help a person needs, and some home care services are offered through specific MassHealth programs with their own requirements.
If you think your loved one may qualify, contact MassHealth directly or reach out to your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), which helps older adults and families find and apply for in-home support.
What about Medicare?
This one surprises a lot of families. Medicare generally doesn’t pay for ongoing help with daily living, like companionship, meals, or personal care. It may cover short-term skilled care at home, such as after a hospital stay, when ordered by a doctor.
A few tips to get started
- Gather the paperwork: insurance policies, discharge papers, and military service records.
- Ask questions early. Approvals can take time, so start the process sooner rather than later.
- Combine options. Some families use private pay while they wait for other benefits to begin.
Please confirm your eligibility
This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Benefits and rules change, and every situation is different. Please confirm your loved one’s eligibility and coverage directly with their insurance company, the VA, or MassHealth.
We accept private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and MassHealth (Medicaid). Contact us for a free assessment, and we’ll talk through which options may fit your family.
