New York
A Western New York county explains home care help for seniors, including a program for people without Medicaid
Chautauqua County's aging office says the state's EISEP program can pay for personal care and housekeeping for older adults who don't have Medicaid, with cost sharing based on income.
Key facts
- EISEP helps people without Medicaid get care at home.
- Costs are shared based on income.
- Medicaid and VA options are also available.
What happened
In a November 4 article, Dana Corwin, director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, laid out the main ways older adults in the county can get help at home. The first is the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program, or EISEP. It helps eligible older adults get personal care, housekeeping and case management when they need help at home but do not have Medicaid coverage for those services. Cost sharing based on income may apply, and a consumer-directed option lets participants arrange their own care, which can include hiring someone they know if program rules are met.
For people who qualify for Medicaid and need ongoing help, the article points to Medicaid Managed Long Term Care plans and Medicaid consumer-directed care. It also reminds veterans and their families to look into VA homemaker and home health aide services and the Aid and Attendance pension benefit, and it notes that the county offers caregiver support services. The office says families do not need to know which program fits before they call.
What it means for families
If a parent needs help at home but earns too much for Medicaid, EISEP may fill part of the gap, and every New York county runs a version through its aging office.
Veterans and surviving spouses may also have VA benefits that help pay for care at home.
Chautauqua County residents can call NY Connects at 716-753-4582. Elsewhere in New York, call your county Office for the Aging or NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871 and ask about EISEP.
What to do this week
- Call your county Office for the Aging and ask whether your parent may qualify for EISEP.
- If your parent is a veteran, ask the county veterans service office about Aid and Attendance.
- Write down what help is needed each day before the call, such as bathing or meals.
Sources
More from New York
- New York's 65+ population hit 1.43 million as nursing homes warn of Medicaid underfunding
- New York explains SNAP work rules for older adults: 65 and older are exempt
- New York explains the Medicaid changes coming in 2027, including work rules and six-month renewals