Despite the developments in post-pandemic caregiving, millions of American family caregivers are still hoping to be compensated for their service.
Providing care for an adult family member or friend is no easy task. These caregivers work for over 24 hours per week without regular pay or compensation. According to an AARP report issued last June, around 78 percent of these family caregivers spend money out of their own pockets. A family caregiver can spend around $7,200 yearly. Twenty-eight percent of them even claimed they have incurred debts and are financially drained. Without pay, the physical and emotional stress is fast taking a toll on these unsung heroes. Currently, the dire situation for many family caregivers is fueling a national conversation on how to ease their burden. Paid leaves and direct compensation are among the solutions being considered. Until then, the chances of a family caregiver earning compensation are when he is caring for a U.S. military veteran or an adult family member or friend eligible for Medicaid. Although there are other situations where a caregiver is getting paid to care for a family member, these are not as common as the first two. As post-pandemic caregiving continues to evolve, it is vital to give attention to our caregivers’ compensation and other assistance.
Four programs provide compensation and financial assistance for family caregivers caring for a United States Military Veteran.
The Veteran Directed Care allows the veteran enrolled in the Veteran Health Administration health care system to choose any physically and mentally capable member of his family to take care of them. The veteran is provided a flexible monthly budget based on the VA assessment while allowing the veteran to choose the services and goods they find fit for their needs. Those who qualify for VA pensions may qualify for the A&A benefits or the Aid and Attendance program. A&A benefits supplement a military pension to provide compensation to a caregiver who may be a member of the veteran’s family. All a veteran has to do is to meet the criteria and apply and complete the A&A application form. Housebound benefits are for veterans confined to their immediate premises because of permanent disability. It involves a monthly pension supplement. However, those who have already availed of the A&A benefit cannot apply for the Housebound benefit. Lastly, family caregivers for military veterans get a chance to get compensation or financial assistance through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Initially, the program covers an injured or sick military person in the line of duty between May 7, 1975, to September 11, 2011. Benefits are extended until October this year for veterans who sustained a service-related disability between the said dates.
Medicaid services programs vary from state to state; some allow hiring a family caregiver, while some states exclude spouses and legal guardians but allow other members of the family.
Medicaid services are state-administered and available in all fifty states and the District of Colombia. These programs allow individuals to manage their long-term home-care services, although features, coverage, eligibility, and guidelines vary depending on the state. All Medicare services programs undergo the process of assessment, planning, budgeting, and selection. While Medicaid is by far the most widely used health care service across the United States, there are also other programs outside the state-sponsored health care that allow clients to choose their caregivers and pay for them. Insurance companies with long-term care insurance could cover home health care and personal care services, including hiring family or personal caregivers. Patients who can afford to support and compensate their caregivers are encouraged to do so.
Overall, the need for caregivers to be appropriately compensated and provided with financial, mental, and emotional assistance is a matter of urgent interest. After all, who will care for senior and adult patients if we don’t take good care of our caregivers?
