What Families and Caregivers Need to Know
As the demand for home care continues to rise across the United States, so does the need for accessible, affordable healthcare coverage. One of the most significant policy shifts in recent years is Medicaid expansion, which has widened the safety net for millions of Americans. But how does this expansion impact home care services—and what does it mean for you or your loved one?
At Exclusive Home Care, we specialize in helping families navigate Medicaid benefits to receive high-quality in-home care. In this blog, we break down how Medicaid expansion affects home care and why it’s a game changer for long-term care options.
What Is Medicaid Expansion?
Medicaid expansion is a provision under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that allows states to extend Medicaid eligibility to more low-income adults, regardless of age, disability status, or family structure.
Key Facts:
States that adopt Medicaid expansion increase income eligibility limits.
Expansion allows adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to qualify.
As of now, over 40 states have adopted Medicaid expansion, improving access to care for millions.
🔍 For families in expansion states, this means more individuals may qualify for home and community-based services (HCBS) than ever before.
How Medicaid Expansion Benefits Home Care Services
Medicaid expansion isn’t just about increasing health coverage—it’s about improving care delivery and expanding options for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions.
1. Greater Access to In-Home Care
With more people qualifying for Medicaid, a larger portion of the population can receive in-home services like:
Personal care assistance
Skilled nursing visits
Homemaker services
Private duty nursing
Therapy services (physical, speech, occupational)
🏡 This shift allows many individuals to avoid institutional care and age comfortably at home.
2. Increased Funding for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Medicaid expansion brings federal funding to support HCBS programs, including:
CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program)
NHTD Waiver (Nursing Home Transition and Diversion)
TBI Waiver (Traumatic Brain Injury Program)
💡 These programs allow family members or chosen caregivers to provide care and get compensated, empowering families and maintaining independence for clients.
3. Support for Caregivers
In expanded states, Medicaid often covers respite care, training for caregivers, and mental health support—ensuring family caregivers aren’t overwhelmed or left unsupported.
🧠 Emotional health and caregiving training are essential, and Medicaid is stepping up to help.
4. Improved Care Coordination
Medicaid expansion facilitates better care coordination between medical providers, home health agencies, and families.
This includes:
Integrated case management
Telehealth access
Preventive care services
📲 At Exclusive Home Care, we use technology and personalized care plans to align with expanded Medicaid models, helping improve outcomes and reduce avoidable hospitalizations.
Medicaid Expansion: A Win for Families & the Future of Home Care
The rise in Medicaid-covered individuals allows agencies like Exclusive Home Care to serve a diverse range of clients, including:
Seniors with complex health needs
Adults with disabilities
Children requiring long-term home-based care
Individuals recovering from surgery or illness
✅ More coverage means fewer gaps in care, fewer emergency room visits, and more cost-effective, compassionate in-home support.
States Without Medicaid Expansion: What Does It Mean?
If you’re in a non-expansion state, your eligibility for home care services may still be possible—but it’s more restrictive.
Programs may require specific diagnoses or severe disability status.
You may still qualify through waivers, SSI, or spend-down programs.
Working with a Medicaid advisor or case manager is essential.
💬 Our team at Exclusive Home Care helps families understand their options—even in states with limited Medicaid coverage.
Final Thoughts: Medicaid Expansion Is Shaping a Better Home Care Future
The expansion of Medicaid is more than just a policy—it’s a lifeline for individuals and families who want to receive high-quality care in the comfort of home. With more people qualifying and more services covered, the future of home care is brighter, more affordable, and more accessible.
At Exclusive Home Care, we stay up to date on Medicaid policies to ensure our clients benefit from every available resource.
📞 Need help navigating Medicaid for home care services?
Contact Exclusive Home Care today for expert assistance with eligibility, benefits, and creating a care plan tailored to your needs.