Medicaid Payments to Family Members for Home Care

Anthony “Tony” Turbeville is a Medicaid approval advisor and educator who has served as president and CEO of Platinum Benefit Services in Lakeland, Florida, since 2000. In this role, Antony “Tony” Turbeville processes Medicaid applications for attorneys and nursing homes who do not have the capacity or desire to handle the complex application process in-house.

Medicaid is a federal program that offers healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. Often, family members who provide personal care for their loved ones can be paid by Medicaid for their service. To pursue this option, an individual must first apply for Medicaid. After the person is approved, they must enroll in a specific Medicaid program that funds home care and allows “consumer direction.” Also called self-directed care, consumer direction indicates that the Medicaid member can choose their own care provider rather than being assigned one by Medicaid.

The Medicaid beneficiary must then officially hire the family member as a personal caregiver, as well as submit timesheets to Medicaid for services rendered. Upon approval, payment is made by Medicaid or through a third-party service.