Follow
Share

I have osteoarthritis in my knees so I can't climb the stairs to get the laundry or put it back. I had an unsuccessful back surgery so I am in pain a lot. He was self employed but the company lost the contract so he is not employed right now and is caring for me. I am on disability and Medicaid pays my Medicare monthly premiums.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Kitty, sorry but Medicare doesn't pay for a family member to be a caregiver.

Now, you might want to try Medicaid [which is different from Medicare] to see if you can qualify. Some States do offer a family member pay for caregiving but note the pay would be very minimal.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

freqflyer,
Thank you for the information. By the pay being very minimal can you tell me how minimal it is? Thanks , Kitty
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Kitty, from what I have heard if a State does have such a program that a family member would get minimum wage for a few hours a day.

Check to see what other programs are offered through Medicaid. Some States have programs where an Aide will come to the house couple times a week to help out.

If you are a senior citizen, check with the County/City Agency on Aging to see what programs they have.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

When I checked it out in Ohio, I found out I’d get paid $40 or less a week for 24/7 caregiving of my husband. The site suggested a reverse mortgage.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

That seems so irrational to me. I know from being certified at Visiting Angels the pay for the caregiver is small compared to what they charge the family or insurance. Doesn't make sense to me if a family member can do it cheaper, why not? It would save families and insurance companies so much, but the government wouldn't have that.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

If you have resources you could pay him if there is a caregiver agreement in place. You should consult with an elder law attorney to see what would be allowed in your state.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Kittyann, I understand how you feel. But with the U.S. having 41 million seniors 65 and older, that would mean more than half need some type of care from a grown child or a spouse.

In order to pay for a grown child or a spouse, and pay a decent wage, that would mean State and Federal taxes would need to be hiked to an outrageous amount.

I believe the only insurance that pays for caregiving would be the expensive "long term care" insurance which one purchases separately.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter