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. 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 or waiting.
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. 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 at 1-844-627-5465.
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.
A free assessment includes help understanding Medicaid, VA, and insurance options for your family. Serving Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Charles counties.