Paying for Home Care
Most of our clients pay nothing out of pocket. Here's how coverage actually works in New York — and how we handle the paperwork for you.
MLTC is the main road
In New York State, long-term home care is primarily funded through Medicaid, delivered via Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plans. If your loved one has Medicaid (or can qualify) and needs ongoing help with daily activities, an MLTC plan assesses them, authorizes a weekly number of care hours, and pays a licensed agency — like IHCS — to provide the caregivers.
Not on Medicaid? Care can also be paid privately by the hour, or through some long-term care insurance policies. We'll lay out every option in plain numbers before you commit to anything.
Already enrolled in a plan?
Switching agencies is simpler than most families expect. Give us your care manager's name and we'll coordinate the transfer directly with your plan — your authorized hours come with you.
Plans we work with
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Managed care coverage for home health services across our full service area.
Anthem member siteElderplan
A New York plan focused on long-term care for seniors, with deep roots in the city's communities.
Elderplan member siteHomeFirst
Elderplan's MLTC program for members who want to remain safely at home with authorized aide hours.
HomeFirst plan pagePlus NYS Medicaid and private pay. Different plan? Contact us — single-case agreements are often possible.
Common coverage questions
Generally no. Medicare covers short-term skilled services — a nurse or therapist after a hospital stay — but not ongoing help with bathing, dressing, or supervision. For long-term aide services, Medicaid/MLTC is the route, and we help families navigate enrollment.
Many families are surprised to learn a parent can qualify. Eligibility depends on income and assets, and there are legitimate planning tools — pooled income trusts, for example — that elder law attorneys use routinely. We can't give legal advice, but we can point you to the right starting places and provide care privately in the meantime.
Straightforward hourly billing with a written agreement and no long-term contract. Rates depend on the level of care and schedule — call us for current figures. Families often use private pay as a bridge while MLTC enrollment is processing.
Your MLTC plan authorizes hours based on an independent assessment of need. Our nurses document thoroughly and advocate when the authorization doesn't match reality — and reassessments can be requested when needs change.
Let us check your coverage
Bring us the insurance card — we'll tell you what it covers and what your options are. No jargon, no obligation.