The Visiting Angels Private Pay Model
For the majority of clients, paying for Visiting Angels' services involves a 'private pay' model. This means that you or your family cover the costs directly, rather than relying on standard health insurance. Funds for private pay typically come from personal resources, which can include:
- Savings and investments
- Pensions and Social Security benefits
- Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or 401(k)s
- Reverse mortgages
- Direct payment from adult children or other family members
Visiting Angels handles all caregiver payroll, taxes, bonding, and insurance, so clients do not have to worry about these administrative details. Billing is typically done on a weekly basis, providing a clear and consistent invoice for the services rendered. As each Visiting Angels office is independently owned and operated, billing cycles and procedures can vary slightly, so confirming with your local office is always recommended.
Alternative Funding Options and Assistance Programs
While private pay is the most common method, several other avenues can help offset or cover the costs of home care.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance
If you have an existing long-term care insurance policy, it will often cover the non-medical services provided by Visiting Angels. The process usually involves filing a claim with your insurance provider, who may require documentation such as a care plan provided by the agency. A Visiting Angels care coordinator can assist with this process, helping you understand your policy's specific benefits, eligibility triggers, deductibles, and waiting periods.
Veterans' (VA) Benefits
For eligible U.S. veterans and surviving spouses, certain VA pensions, such as the Aid and Attendance benefit, can provide financial assistance for in-home care. This needs-based benefit can help cover the cost of services that help with activities of daily living. Your local Visiting Angels office can provide more information on how to connect with a Veterans' Specialist to explore your eligibility.
State and Local Assistance Programs
Some states and municipalities offer financial assistance programs to help seniors pay for in-home care services. These programs can vary significantly by location and are often tied to specific income or need-based criteria. It's wise to check with your state's Department of Aging to learn about any relevant local programs that might be available to you or your loved one.
Why Medicare and Medicaid Generally Do Not Cover Costs
A critical distinction in senior care is the difference between medical and non-medical services. Visiting Angels primarily provides non-medical, or custodial, care, which includes assistance with daily tasks like meal preparation, companionship, housekeeping, and personal care.
- Medicare: Original Medicare generally does not cover non-medical home care. It primarily covers skilled, medically-necessary services, such as short-term physical therapy or nursing care following a hospital stay. While some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited home care benefits, they rarely cover the full scope of long-term custodial care that Visiting Angels provides.
- Medicaid: While some Medicaid programs can cover certain home health services, Visiting Angels is typically a private pay agency and does not accept Medicaid for their standard services. It is important to confirm with your local franchise, as policies may vary.
Comparing Common Payment Methods
To help you better understand the differences, here is a comparison of the most common payment options for Visiting Angels.
| Payment Method | Key Characteristics | Typical Coverage | Eligibility Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pay | Most common method; direct payment from client/family. | Covers all services, based on hourly rates. | Determined by individual or family financial resources. |
| LTC Insurance | Requires an existing insurance policy. | Varies by policy; may cover a portion or all costs. | Triggered by inability to perform daily living activities; specific policy terms apply. |
| VA Benefits | Need-based pension for qualified veterans/spouses. | Varies by benefit level and financial need. | Wartime veteran status, income limits, and need for assistance. |
How to Get a Cost Estimate and Plan Your Budget
Since costs vary depending on location, level of care, and service hours, the best way to determine your budget is to request a free, no-obligation in-home consultation from your local Visiting Angels office. During this meeting, a care coordinator will:
- Assess specific needs: They will evaluate the type of assistance required, whether it's simple companion care, personal care, or specialized memory care.
- Determine hours and frequency: The total cost is heavily influenced by how many hours per day or week are needed, and any minimum shift requirements that may be in place.
- Provide a customized quote: Based on the assessment, they will offer a clear breakdown of the expected costs and discuss potential payment strategies.
This personalized approach ensures that the care plan is tailored to both the client's needs and financial situation.
Final Recommendations for Funding Your Care
When planning for home care with Visiting Angels, it is crucial to start with the understanding that it is primarily a private-pay service. However, a comprehensive strategy involves exploring all potential funding sources, including:
- Leveraging private assets such as savings, pensions, and family contributions.
- Reviewing existing long-term care insurance policies to determine coverage.
- Investigating eligibility for specific Veterans' benefits if applicable.
- Contacting the local franchise directly to discuss hourly rates, payment methods, and any minimum service requirements.
Taking these steps will ensure you can secure the necessary care while managing the financial aspect effectively. For more resources on planning for senior care, a valuable source is the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults.
