How to Pay for Home Nursing Costs

Options for paying for home nursing care include private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, and private community resources. In 2009, a home health aide cost patients an average of $21 per hour, according to the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. A registered nurse costs even more than that, as do physical therapists and other home care professionals.

Instructions

• 1

  Check with your health insurance provider to find out if home nursing costs are covered on your plan. Many insurance policies pay something for home nursing but you may have a co-pay. Both Medicare and Medicaid pay for home nursing if you meet their criteria.

• 2

  Contact the agency that administers Medicaid in your state to find out if you qualify for home-nursing subsidies. You must meet income guidelines to qualify. In some states, you must also fit into a particular eligibility group; for instance, you may need to be elderly or disabled. The rules vary from state to state.

• 3

  Consult with a social worker at a home health care agency to discuss options for paying for home nursing care. Social workers with home health care agencies will know about many available resources in your community, such as private foundations or charitable organizations, and can refer you to payment sources you may not know about.