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Oregon Spousal Pay Program
Overview of the Oregon Spousal Pay Program
Almost unique in the world of Medicaid’s consumer direction programs, Oregon’s Spousal Pay Program, as the name implies, will pay the spouse of an individual that requires significant assistance with their activities of daily living provided they and their spouse meet all the eligibility requirements. This program is based on the Cash and Counseling model which allows an individual greater control over whom is hired to provide care.
A spouse becomes an official Homecare Worker and joins the Homecare Workers Union. They receive a salary, pay taxes, union fees and are eligible for unemployment insurance. It should be noted that since it is expected that spouses care for each other, the number of hours for which an individual is authorized to receive care can be lower when participating in the Spousal Pay program than were the individual to receive care under other Oregon Medicaid programs such as the Client-Employed Provider Program.
Qualifications for the Oregon Spousal Pay Program
The caregiver and spouse must be legally married and residing at home (not in a skilled nursing home). In addition, the individual in need of care must require assistance with at least 4 of the following activities of daily living, bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting and mobility and have a diagnosed, progressive, debilitating condition.
The Spousal Pay Program is a Medicaid program and therefore individuals must be financially qualified to receive Medicaid as well. This is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. Rules change frequently and there are many exceptions, but typically monthly income cannot exceed $2,000 and “countable asset” limits, excluding the car and home, range from $2,000 to $8,000.
Not qualifying for Medicaid can be devastating to the comfort of an individual, their family’s finances and even their health. For these reasons, Medicaid planners exist to ensure families have the best chance of acceptance into the program. With care costing $1000’s / month, there is a strong incentive to use a Medicaid Planner. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
The caregiving spouse must pass a criminal history check and meet the other Oregon Department of Human Services requirements for providing care. In addition to providing assistance with activities of daily living, it is expected they will manage the home, perform housekeeping, laundry, do the grocery shopping and meal preparation.
The Spousal Pay Program is a Medicaid program and therefore individuals must be financially qualified to receive Medicaid as well. This is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. Rules change frequently and there are many exceptions, but typically monthly income cannot exceed $2,000 and “countable asset” limits, excluding the car and home, range from $2,000 to $8,000.
Not qualifying for Medicaid can be devastating to the comfort of an individual, their family’s finances and even their health. For these reasons, Medicaid planners exist to ensure families have the best chance of acceptance into the program. With care costing $1000’s / month, there is a strong incentive to use a Medicaid Planner. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
The caregiving spouse must pass a criminal history check and meet the other Oregon Department of Human Services requirements for providing care. In addition to providing assistance with activities of daily living, it is expected they will manage the home, perform housekeeping, laundry, do the grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Benefits / Services Covered by the Oregon Spousal Pay Program
The caregiving spouse receives payment for providing care services. Typically this is an hourly wage agreed upon by the Homecare Workers Union and the state of Oregon. In addition to their wages, the caregiving spouse also receives the other benefits of union participation such as unemployment insurance, paid vacation time and disability benefits should they themselves become disabled.
How to Apply for the Oregon Spousal Pay Program
To apply for the Spousal Pay Program, interested couples should contact the local Area Agency on Aging / Senior and Persons Disabilities Office. Alternatively they can call 1-800-282-8096.
Use our Eldercare Financial Resource Locator Tool to find other public and private programs that can help pay for or reduce the costs of long term care for the elderly.
