What Medicaid Can Pay to Family Members Who Provide Care in Florida
Florida Medicaid provides a program called the Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) program that allows eligible Medicaid recipients to hire their own family members or friends to provide them with care and assistance in their homes. The program is designed to give people with disabilities greater control over their own care and the flexibility to choose their caregivers. In this blog post, we will discuss what Florida Medicaid pays to family members who provide care to a disabled member of their household and what they must do to apply for the CDC+ program.
What Does Florida Medicaid Pay for Caregivers in the CDC+ Program?
Florida Medicaid pays family members who provide care to a disabled member of their household a wage for their services. The amount of the wage depends on the level of care needed and the location of the recipient. As of September 2021, the hourly wage for caregivers in the CDC+ program ranges from $10.25 to $15.50 per hour. The exact wage rate is determined by the recipient's level of care, the county of residence, and the skill level of the caregiver.
In addition to the hourly wage, caregivers may also be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off. These benefits vary depending on the specific plan chosen by the recipient and the caregiver.
How to Apply for the CDC+ Program?
To apply for the CDC+ program, the recipient must be a Florida Medicaid beneficiary who meets the eligibility criteria for the program. The recipient must also have a need for in-home care and assistance.
Once the recipient is determined to be eligible, they can apply for the CDC+ program by completing an application and submitting it to their local Area Agency on Aging. The application will ask for information about the recipient's medical condition, the level of care needed, and the caregiver they wish to hire. The recipient will also need to select a fiscal agent to manage their Medicaid funds.
After the application is submitted, the recipient will be assessed to determine their level of care and the amount of funding they will receive from Medicaid. The recipient and their caregiver will then work together to develop a care plan that outlines the specific tasks and responsibilities of the caregiver. The caregiver will be trained to provide the necessary care, and the recipient will have the flexibility to adjust their care plan as needed.
Conclusion
The CDC+ program is a valuable resource for families who want to provide care for their disabled loved ones. It allows recipients to choose their own caregivers and have greater control over their own care. Florida Medicaid pays caregivers a wage for their services and provides additional benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. To apply for the program, the recipient must meet the eligibility criteria and complete an application with their local Area Agency on Aging.
If you have questions about how you can qualify for Medicaid because of a disability, please reach out to us by calling (407) 738-3718. At SSD Solutions, we help disabled people qualify for much-needed benefits.
