North Dakota Programs for Paid Family Caregivers
North Dakota provides multiple programs that enable family members, including spouses, to become paid caregivers for their loved ones, supporting individuals who prefer to receive care at home. Program eligibility and payment structures vary.
Expanded Service Payments for the Elderly and Disabled (Ex-SPED) Program
The state-funded Ex-SPED program assists individuals needing long-term in-home care who do not financially qualify for Medicaid. It supports consumer-directed care, allowing the care recipient to hire a family member as their caregiver.
Key features of Ex-SPED:
- Eligibility is based on the care recipient's functional needs, not Medicaid status.
- Provides payments and respite care to family caregivers, including spouses living with the recipient.
- Offers payments up to a specific daily rate.
- Requires applicants to meet certain asset limits, excluding their primary residence.
North Dakota Medicaid Waivers
North Dakota offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for those meeting Medicaid's financial and medical criteria. These waivers may compensate family members for providing personal care, with specific rules varying by waiver.
- Aged and Disabled Waiver: This waiver allows certain relatives, such as adult children and spouses, to be hired as caregivers through a consumer-directed model.
- Family Paid Caregiver Pilot Program: Administered by North Dakota HHS, this program pays family members providing "extraordinary care" to individuals on specific Medicaid 1915(c) waivers.
- Medicaid State Plan Personal Care Services (MSP-PC): This program aids with daily living activities and may allow certain family members (excluding spouses and legal guardians) to be paid caregivers.
Other Resources for Financial Assistance
- North Dakota Family Caregiver Support Program (NDFCSP): Funded by the Older Americans Act, this program supports unpaid caregivers with services like respite care, training, and counseling to prevent burnout. It does not provide direct payment to the family caregiver.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits: Eligible veterans and their family caregivers may receive financial aid and support through the VA, including potential monthly stipends for caregivers.
How to get started as a paid family caregiver
Becoming a paid family caregiver in North Dakota involves several steps:
- Assess Eligibility: Determine if the care recipient qualifies for state programs based on medical need, functional impairment, income, and assets.
- Contact the ADRL: Call the Aging and Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL) at 1-855-462-5465 to discuss options and get program information.
- Apply for Services: The ADRL or a local Human Service Zone can assist with applying for programs like Ex-SPED or Medicaid waivers.
- Complete a Functional Assessment: An assessment will be conducted to determine the level of care needed.
- Become a Qualified Service Provider (QSP): Family members must enroll with North Dakota Health and Human Services as a QSP to receive payment, which includes an application and possible background check.
- Maintain Documentation: After enrollment, caregivers must document care provided and submit billing forms for payment.
Comparison of North Dakota Caregiver Programs
| Feature | Ex-SPED Program | Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver | Family Paid Caregiver Pilot Program | NDFCSP (Respite Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | State-funded | State and Federal Medicaid | State-funded (via Medicaid waivers) | Federal (Older Americans Act) |
| Care Recipient Eligibility | Needs in-home care; exceeds Medicaid financial limits | Meets Medicaid financial and functional criteria | Enrolled in specific Medicaid 1915(c) waivers | Caregivers of adults 60+, some relative caregivers |
| Can Family Member Be Paid? | Yes, including spouses who live with recipient | Yes, including spouses and adult children | Yes, for legally responsible individuals providing "extraordinary care" | No, provides respite care funding for other providers |
| Core Service Type | Payments to the family provider for care | Personal care services | Payments for extraordinary care | Temporary respite for the caregiver |
| Program Status | Ongoing | Ongoing | Pilot program, may accept new applications based on funding | Ongoing |
Conclusion: Making paid family caregiving a reality in North Dakota
North Dakota offers several state and federal programs that make paid family caregiving a feasible option. Understanding program-specific requirements and navigating the application process are key. Start by contacting the Aging and Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL) at 1-855-462-5465 for guidance. Exploring VA benefits is also recommended for caregivers of veterans. Utilizing these resources can provide financial compensation and support, enabling loved ones to remain at home with dignity.
For more information on state and federal caregiving programs, a great resource is the Family Caregiver Alliance, which offers state-specific details. Family Caregiver Alliance: Services by State
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Aged and Disabled Waiver in North Dakota? The Aged and Disabled Waiver (Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services) is a North Dakota Medicaid program providing in-home support for older adults and people with disabilities. It allows care recipients to hire their own caregiver, potentially including a family member.
2. Can a spouse be a paid caregiver in North Dakota? Yes, North Dakota programs like the Ex-SPED program and the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver allow spouses to be hired and paid as personal care providers.
3. What is the process for a family member to get paid through Ex-SPED? The care recipient needs approval for Ex-SPED. The family member then enrolls with North Dakota Health and Human Services as a Qualified Service Provider (QSP) and completes required documentation and billing.
4. Does the North Dakota Family Caregiver Support Program pay family caregivers? No, the NDFCSP does not directly pay family caregivers. It provides federally-funded support services like temporary respite care from a third-party provider to give the primary caregiver a break.
5. What is considered "extraordinary care" for the pilot program? In the Family Paid Caregiver Pilot Program, "extraordinary care" refers to care for someone with medical or behavioral needs exceeding typical care provided by a legally responsible individual.
6. What is the Aging and Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL)? The ADRL is a North Dakota resource connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers to local services and support. It is the recommended starting point for exploring options.
7. What is the application process for the Family Paid Caregiver Pilot Program? Applications are submitted via the Family Paid Caregiver Portal. After review, an HHS team conducts an assessment to determine if the care meets the "extraordinary care" criteria.
