Paying for Home Care
Paying for Home Care in Maryland: Medicaid, VA & Insurance
Maryland families pay for non-medical in-home care in several ways: private pay, long-term care insurance, Maryland Medicaid programs, and VA benefits. Medicare generally does not cover ongoing personal care. Vanguard does not accept Medicaid, including CFC and CPAS. Here is how each option works — call 301-327-1444 and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Call 301-327-1444
Your Options
Four ways to pay for in-home care
Private pay
Paying out of pocket is the most common and flexible route — billed hourly, or at daily/weekly rates for live-in care, with no eligibility requirements.
Long-term care insurance
Many policies reimburse non-medical in-home care once benefit triggers are met (help with 2 of 6 daily activities, or a dementia diagnosis). Check your benefit limit and elimination (waiting) period.
Maryland Medicaid
For those who qualify, Maryland Medicaid covers in-home personal care through several programs — see below. Vanguard does not accept Medicaid. Start at Maryland Access Point: 1-844-627-5465.
VA Aid & Attendance
Eligible veterans and surviving spouses can receive an added monthly VA pension amount that helps pay for in-home care.
Medicaid
Maryland Medicaid programs for in-home care
Community First Choice (CFC)
A Maryland Medicaid State Plan benefit providing in-home personal assistance for people who qualify and need a nursing-facility level of care. As a State Plan benefit, there is no waiting list.
Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)
A Medicaid State Plan program providing in-home personal assistance for those who need help with daily activities. Like CFC, it has no waiting list for those who qualify.
Community Options Waiver
Provides similar home and community-based services but is not an entitlement — it has limited slots and a statewide waiting list (Service Registry). Get on the registry early via Maryland Access Point: 1-844-627-5465.
Payment FAQ
Common questions about paying for care
Does Medicare pay for in-home care?
Generally, no. Medicare does not pay for ongoing non-medical or custodial care — help with bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom — when that is the only care needed. It covers skilled home health only in narrow, physician-ordered circumstances.
How do I qualify for Maryland Medicaid in-home care?
Eligibility generally requires meeting Maryland Medicaid’s financial criteria and a required level of care. In-home programs include Community First Choice and CPAS. Start by calling Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 1-844-627-5465. Vanguard does not accept Medicaid, but if you qualify, MAP can connect you with Medicaid-enrolled providers.
Can veterans get help paying for home care?
Yes. VA Aid & Attendance adds a monthly amount to an eligible veteran’s or surviving spouse’s VA pension that can be applied toward in-home care. Eligibility requires the underlying VA pension plus a qualifying care need.
Will long-term care insurance cover your care?
Many long-term care policies reimburse non-medical in-home care once benefit triggers are met. We can help you understand your policy and coordinate billing where possible.
A note on program details
Program rules, eligibility, and benefit amounts change over time. For current details, contact the program directly: Maryland Medicaid / Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Access Point (1-844-627-5465); Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE; and VA.gov. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Talk With Us
Not sure how you’ll pay? We’ll help.
Start with a free phone consultation, including help understanding VA and insurance options for your family. Vanguard does not accept Medicaid. Serving Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Charles counties.