Family Caregiver Reference

Medicaid home care services: 2026 family caregiver overview

The 2026 Medicaid home care services overview. HCBS waivers, PACE, CDPAP. How Medicaid pays for home care, who qualifies, and how to apply.

By Calvin Nesvig, Founding Partner·Updated May 3, 2026·8 min read
Quick answer
  • Medicaid pays for home care through HCBS waivers, PCS, PACE, and CDPAP/CDS.
  • Eligibility: income + asset limits + functional need for nursing-home level of care.
  • Apply through your state Medicaid agency or contracted Area Agency on Aging.
  • EVV is required for all Medicaid-funded PCS and HHCS visits.
  • Most agencies that accept Medicaid use EHR + EVV software (like AveeCare) to capture and submit visit data.

4 Medicaid programs that pay for home care

State Plan Personal Care Services (PCS)

Available in most states; covers basic personal care. Limited hours per week. EVV required.

HCBS waivers (1915(c) and 1115)

Each state runs multiple waivers (elderly, IDD, brain injury, etc.). Cover more hours and broader services than basic PCS.

PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care)

Comprehensive Medicare + Medicaid coverage for nursing-home-eligible adults 55+ who can live in the community. Operated by PACE organizations.

CDPAP / Consumer-Directed Services

Lets the Medicaid beneficiary hire family/friends as paid caregivers. Available in NY (CDPAP), MO, ID, others. EVV required.

Eligibility basics

CriterionTypical limit
Monthly income (single, HCBS)~$2,829 (2026; 300% federal SSI)
Countable assets (single)~$2,000
Countable assets (couple, one spouse needs care)Spousal protection (~$148,620 in 2026)
Functional needNursing-home level of care (state-specific assessment)

Limits are 2026 federal baselines; many states use higher limits or additional pathways.

AveeCare's role

AveeCare is software used by home care agencies that bill Medicaid. Family caregivers do not interact with AveeCare directly. If you need home care and have Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid agency or local Area Agency on Aging.

Find an agency near you

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Accessed May 3, 2026.

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 Medicaid home care agency?

See AveeCare. $6 / active client / month. EVV included.