Medicaid covers home health care for qualifying seniors, often including the custodial care Medicare won't pay for.
What home care does Medicaid cover?
Every state's Medicaid program covers mandatory home health services for eligible enrollees — part-time skilled nursing, home health aide visits, and medical supplies. Many states go further through optional personal care benefits and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which fund custodial care like help with bathing, dressing, meals, and homemaking so seniors can avoid nursing homes. Some states also allow self-directed care, letting enrollees hire and even pay family caregivers. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid can cover long-term, ongoing personal care — a key reason it funds the largest share of U.S. long-term care.
Who qualifies for Medicaid home health care?
Eligibility depends on income and assets, which vary by state, plus a functional need for care. Many seniors qualify through aged, blind, and disabled (ABD) pathways or by needing a nursing-home level of care for a waiver. Because waivers often have limited slots and waiting lists, applying early matters. Some seniors qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid ('dual eligibles'). Rules differ significantly by state. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for free help understanding eligibility and applying where you live.