Considering Caregiving as a Career Option in Indiana? Here's What You Need to Know About Medicaid Caregiver Pay Rates…

Thinking about becoming a caregiver for a loved one with Medicaid? Indiana offers a couple of different programs that can provide you with compensation for your time and dedication. This blog post will explore two of the most common programs: Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) and Attendant Care. We'll also touch on an option for parents of medically complex children.

Structured Family Caregiving Program

The SFC program provides reimbursements to agencies that help families coordinate care for loved ones with Medicaid. Here's the breakdown:

• Reimbursement Levels: The amount an agency receives depends on the level of care required. Levels range from 1 (basic) to 3 (extensive). You'll see daily rates of $77.54, $99.71, and $131.44 respectively. Source: FSSA.

• Caregiver Pay: It's important to understand that the reimbursement goes to the agency, not directly to you. The agency then determines your hourly or daily wage, which typically falls between 50% and 70% of the reimbursement rate.

• Benefits of SFC: There are some definite perks to being an SFC caregiver. Payments are made year-round, and they are considered tax-free income! Additionally, you can care for up to 3 family members or friends under the same roof and receive payment for each of them.

Attendant Care Program

Attendant care is another program that compensates caregivers for providing assistance with daily activities. Here's a quick rundown:

• Pay Rates: Attendant care agencies set their own pay rates, but they generally range from $13 to $18 per hour.

• Hours: The number of hours you're eligible for depends on the needs of the care recipient. A Medicaid case manager will assess the situation and determine the appropriate amount of care.

• Benefits: Many attendant care agencies offer bonuses, retirement savings plans, and even health insurance to their caregivers.

Home Health Aides and Parent CNA

This program caters to a specific situation: parents caring for medically complex children. Here's what you need to know:

• HHA Training: If you qualify, you can receive up to 75 hours of free HHA training provided by the agency. This allows you to become a certified Home Health Aide and get paid for caring for your child.

• Dual Payment Options: Unlike SFC and Attendant Care, which can't be combined, parents in this program can be eligible for both SFC benefits and PA (prior authorization) hours for HHA services.

Important Note:

This blog post focused on SFC and Attendant Care. Medicaid and the VA (Veteran’s Aid) also offer other programs, so be sure to explore all the options that might be a good fit for you.

Want to Learn More About Paid Caregivers In Indiana?

If you're interested in becoming a Medicaid caregiver in Indiana, particularly through SFC or Attendant Care, we encourage you to visit Paid Care’s Structured Family Caregiving Indiana Page. Paid.care is a provider for both programs and can offer you more specific information about their pay rates and services.