Program aims to expand home care
State of Health pilot connects caregivers, people who need their assistance
The state is launching a pilot program to help residents search for private home care services.
The program, NY State of Health, Care at Home, which is accessible through the Marketplace — an online health and insurance portal — intends to make it easier for at-home caregivers and vulnerable people who need assistance to connect.
People in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties will be the first to reap the initiative’s benefits before it expands statewide.
The announcement comes at a time when the state is facing a home care crisis as low wages and difficult working conditions have depleted the number of aides willing to do the job. It has left many clients desperate for assistance or paying added costs out of pocket to supplement the income of the low-paid aides.
Officials announcing the pilot program said it was created at the suggestion of the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT II) to make care more accessible.
“The Care at Home program aligns with the ease and accessibility of the Marketplace, providing consumers with a resource to connect with home care professionals that meet their specific needs and are available in their area,” according to a release announcing the initiative.
Consumers can obtain financial help to afford NY State of Health, Care at Home through premium discounts or tax credits. Those who qualify can use Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan using the Marketplace.
Offered services are not considered to be medical in nature, but rather for assisting individuals with daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning.
Caregivers may be requested to offer a hand with dressing, personal hygiene, going to the bathroom, laundry, cleaning, shopping, meal preparation, managing medication and eating.
In a written statement, NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said: “This program will help New Yorkers access the home care services they need to maintain their independence and stay safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible.”
It’s unclear when the program will expand to include all residents.