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How to Pay
It's crucial to take into account and prepare for the expenses to home care when choosing it for yourself or a loved one. The cost of utilizing a home care provider like Spiritual Home Care, LLC usually varies based on the number of hours of aid required and if any additional services are necessary.
CCSP Waiver
Description
Georgia Medicaid’s Community Care Services Program (CCSP) operates under the Elderly and Disabled Waiver. CCSP is a program designed to help frail older adults remain living in their own homes or communities and to receive services in those locations as an alternative to nursing homes. Sometimes referred to as a nursing home diversion program, this type of program helps the state keep nursing home costs low and is generally preferred by families. The state of Georgia allows participants in this waiver program a degree of freedom to direct the services that they want. This is sometimes referred to as “Cash and Counseling.” This means individuals are empowered to choose their own personal caregivers. In most states, this “consumer direction” of services is interpreted as having the ability to hire family members as paid caregivers. But, in Georgia, the rules are different. While it is legally possible to hire family members, in practice, this is exceedingly rare. Only in situations in which a participant lives in a rural area or has a unique condition where it is difficult to find a home care provider can relatives be hired. Spouses cannot be hired to provide care. Persons should not pursue this program if their sole goal is to achieve compensation for a family member providing care. In July 2016, CCSP was moved from the Division of Aging Services in the Department of Human Services to the Department of Community Health. The Department of Community Health also operates the SOURCE Waiver, which also operates under Georgia’s Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver. This reorganization does not impact the delivery of services and is only an internal change.
Georgia Source Medicaid Waiver Program
SOURCE is an acronym for Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment. The program is designed for frail elderly and disabled Georgians who require the level of care typically provided in a nursing home. However, this program allows eligible individuals to receive care in their homes or communities (such as in assisted living facilities, also referred to as personal care homes) and avoid having to use long-term nursing home care. For some very low-income participants, this program provides both medical care and non-medical personal care services. Originally, this program was only available in certain areas of the state, but now it is open to residents statewide. As of 2021, approximately 19,000 Georgians receive assistance under this program. However, even with increased capacity, it is possible that a waiting list for services may exist. If an individual is already on Medicaid, the general enrollment time is two months. This waiver is operated under Georgia’s Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver and provides home and community based services. It is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health.