State Home Care Subsidy in Buffalo, New York

What is State Home Care Subsidy?

State home care subsidy programs provide direct financial assistance to pay for in-home personal care services for elderly residents who don't qualify for Medicaid or whose Medicaid benefits have been exhausted. These state-funded programs vary significantly by state - some offer direct cash payments while others contract with home care agencies. Income and asset thresholds are often higher than Medicaid, making these programs accessible to middle-income families who have been turned away by Medicaid.

In New York, this program is known as New York Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). EISEP provides non-medical home care services to New Yorkers 60+ who are not eligible for Medicaid. Services include personal care, housekeeping, and case management. A sliding-scale fee applies based on income.

Eligibility Requirements in New York

How to Apply in Buffalo, New York

1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about available programs
2. Contact New York State Department of Health at (518) 474-7354 for state-level program information
3. Request a needs assessment to determine the level of care required
4. Complete the program application with income and asset documentation
5. Be placed on a waiting list if funding is limited (some programs have waiting lists)
6. Online application: You can start the application process online at New York State Department of Health's website.

Your local Area Agency on Aging - the Erie County Department of Senior Services at (716) 858-8526 - can also help you navigate the application process at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Home Care Subsidy in Buffalo

• What is the income limit for home care subsidies in New York?
  Income limits for state home care subsidy programs in New York are typically higher than Medicaid limits. Contact New York State Department of Health at (518) 474-7354 for current program-specific income guidelines.
• How much does the state home care subsidy pay in New York?
  Benefit amounts vary by program and level of care needed. Programs may cover a set number of hours per week, pay a caregiver a set hourly rate, or provide a monthly cash benefit. Contact New York State Department of Health for current rates.
• Can I hire a family member as a paid caregiver through state programs?
  Many state programs allow consumer-directed care where eligible individuals can hire family members (except spouses in most cases) as paid caregivers. Contact New York State Department of Health for specific rules in New York.
• What's the difference between Medicaid HCBS and state home care programs?
  Medicaid HCBS waivers are federally funded and have stricter income/asset limits. State home care programs are state-funded and often have higher income limits, but may provide fewer hours of care and may have waiting lists.
• What if my income is too high for Medicaid in New York?
  If your income exceeds Medicaid limits, you may still qualify for state-funded home care programs. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or New York State Department of Health at (518) 474-7354 to explore options available to middle-income seniors in New York.

Other Subsidies Available in Buffalo

Home Care Subsidy in Other New York Cities