Government Programs
Medicare
Most Americans over age 65 are eligible for the Federal Medicare program and some under age 65 are eligible because of disability. To qualify for home care services, a person with Medicare must be homebound, under a physician’s care and must need medically necessary skilled nursing or therapy services. Medicare pays for home health benefit services based on a 60-day episode of care.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint Federal-State medical assistance program for low-income individuals that is administered by the states. Each state has its own set of eligibility requirements. In New York, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) regulates the home care service programs that are available to certain Medicaid-eligible people under the State's Medicaid program.
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) regulates home care programs that are provided through county offices for the aging, including the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program for elderly people who do not qualify for Medicaid.