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Rhode Island Medicaid Shared Living (Caregiver Homes) Program
What are Medicaid Waivers?
Medicaid pays for long term care services in nursing homes. For nursing home qualified persons that choose to live at home or in a residential community, Medicaid will pay for those services if they can be obtained at a lower cost. These are called Home and Community Based Services, Waiver Funded Services, Medicaid Waivers or simply Waivers.
Overview of the Rhode Island Shared Living Program
Rhode Island’s Shared Living program is designed for individuals that require considerable assistance with the activities of daily living and cannot live alone. This program enables them to remain living in a home environment instead of a nursing home.
Typically the individual in need of care will move into the home of their “Caregiver”. This program is also referred to as "Caregiver Homes". Eligible caregivers are relatives and friends, but not spouses. Caregivers are required to provide all personal care services and be on call 24/7. Caregivers are paid for their efforts and supported by a Shared Living Agency. They are provided with training, nursing support, respite and the Shared Living Agency will monitor the quality of care they provide.
Care recipients are expected to pay their caregiver for room and board from their SSI or Social Security checks. Medicaid does not pay for room and board.
Typically the individual in need of care will move into the home of their “Caregiver”. This program is also referred to as "Caregiver Homes". Eligible caregivers are relatives and friends, but not spouses. Caregivers are required to provide all personal care services and be on call 24/7. Caregivers are paid for their efforts and supported by a Shared Living Agency. They are provided with training, nursing support, respite and the Shared Living Agency will monitor the quality of care they provide.
Care recipients are expected to pay their caregiver for room and board from their SSI or Social Security checks. Medicaid does not pay for room and board.
Qualifications for the Shared Living Program
Individuals must be unable to live independently and require considerable assistance with the activities of daily living. In addition they must be financially qualified to receive Medicaid.
Qualifying for Medicaid is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. Rules change by state 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.
Qualifying for Medicaid is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. Rules change by state 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.
Services Provided under the Shared Living Program
Availability of the Shared Living Program
This program is available in all Rhode Island counties. One can learn more about the program by downloading a brochure, visiting their website or by calling 866-797-6222.
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