Cost Reference

Home health aide cost in 2026: hourly + daily + monthly

The 2026 home health aide cost reference. Agency-billed HHA care averages $30-$36/hour. Full breakdown plus how to reduce home health aide cost.

By Calvin Nesvig, Founding Partner·Updated May 3, 2026·6 min read
Quick answer
  • HHA agency rate: $30-$36 / hour for non-medical personal care.
  • Daily (8 hrs): $240 - $288 / day.
  • Monthly (40 hrs/wk): ~$5,200 - $6,240 / month.
  • Direct hire: $20-$28 / hour, but family pays payroll, taxes, insurance.
  • Medicare-paid HHA visits (skilled care episodes) are not directly billed to families.

HHA cost breakdown (2026)

PeriodCost
Hourly (agency)$30 - $36 / hour
Hourly (direct hire)$20 - $28 / hour
Daily 8-hour visit$240 - $288
Daily 12-hour visit$360 - $432
Weekly (40 hrs)$1,200 - $1,440
Monthly (~173 hrs)$5,200 - $6,240
Yearly (full-time aide)$62,400 - $74,880

6 ways to reduce HHA cost

Long-term care insurance

Reimburses HHA hours when policy benefit triggers met.

Medicaid HCBS waiver

Covers HHA visits for eligible income/asset levels.

Veterans Aid & Attendance

$1,500-$2,800 / month toward HHA care.

Family caregiver pay

CDPAP/CDS programs in some states pay family members.

Direct hire (caution)

Lower hourly rate but family takes on payroll, tax, liability.

Bundle hours

Some agencies discount when committing to 20+ hours/week.

AveeCare's role

AveeCare is software for home care agencies, not a direct in-home care provider. The HHA hourly rate paid by families depends on the agency, geography, service type, and payer.

Find an agency near you

Frequently asked questions

CN
Calvin Nesvig
Founding Partner, AveeCare

Builds home care software full-time and works with home care agencies on workflow and software fit every week.

Run a home health aide agency?

See AveeCare. $6 / active client / month.