Medicaid and private pay options for home care
Home care should be within reach. Era Home Care is an enrolled Maryland Medicaid provider, and we also serve private-pay clients. Here is how each option works. If you are not sure which one fits, call us and we will walk you through it.
Maryland Medicaid
If you have full Maryland Medicaid, help with daily activities at home may be covered through state programs such as Community First Choice.
See Medicaid programsPrivate pay
Pay directly for the care you need. Costs depend on the type of care and the number of hours. We will explain your options after a free in-home assessment.
About private payMaryland Medicaid programs for care at home
The Maryland Department of Health runs programs that can pay for personal assistance at home: help with bathing, dressing, meals and other daily activities. To qualify, you must already have full Medicaid (the red and white Medicaid card).
| Program | Community First ChoiceCFC | Community Personal Assistance ServicesCPAS |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for |
|
|
| Services can include | Personal assistance, nurse monitoring, supports planning, home-delivered meals, personal emergency response systems, assistive technology and more. | Personal assistance, nurse monitoring and supports planning. |
Community First ChoiceCFC
- People who need an institutional (nursing home) level of care
- Living at home or in another community setting
- No age limit
- Already have full Medicaid
Personal assistance, nurse monitoring, supports planning, home-delivered meals, personal emergency response systems, assistive technology and more.
Community Personal Assistance ServicesCPAS
- People who need help with at least one activity of daily living
- Living at home or in another community setting
- No age limit
- Already have full Medicaid
Personal assistance, nurse monitoring and supports planning.
Medicaid programs can be confusing. We make it simple.
Not sure if you qualify, who to call, or what happens next? We help Maryland families understand Medicaid home care step by step, so your loved one can get help at home sooner.
- Free, no-obligation call
- Answers in plain English
- Free in-home nurse assessment
- Enrolled Maryland Medicaid provider
Private pay
For families who do not qualify for Medicaid, or who want care that their program does not cover.
How it works
- Start with a free in-home assessment
- We talk through the type of care and the hours you need
- We explain the costs before care begins
- You pay Era Home Care directly
Care we provide
- Personal care and companionship
- Help with bathing, dressing and grooming
- Meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry
- Errands and accompaniment to appointments
What we do not accept. Era Home Care does not currently accept VA benefits or long-term care insurance. Medicare also does not pay for personal care at home (like help with bathing or dressing) when that is the only care you need.
Frequently asked questions
How much does home care cost?
It depends on the type of care and the number of hours you need. After a free in-home assessment, we explain the costs clearly before care begins, so there are no surprises. If you qualify for Maryland Medicaid, the program may pay for covered services.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract or book a minimum number of hours?
No. We do not require long-term contracts, and there is no set minimum number of hours. We do ask that each visit be long enough to make a real difference for your loved one, and we will help you find a schedule that works.
How do I know if I have full Medicaid?
The Maryland Department of Health says you have full Medicaid if you have the red and white Medicaid card. If you are not sure, call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465.
Does Medicare pay for this kind of home care?
No. According to Medicare.gov, Medicare does not pay for custodial or personal care that helps with daily activities, like bathing, dressing or using the bathroom, when this is the only care you need.
I do not have Medicaid yet. Can you still help?
Yes. You can start with private pay. Maryland Access Point can tell you how to apply for Medicaid.
Can a family member be paid to care for me?
It depends on the program rules. Call us and we will explain what applies to your situation.
Do you accept VA benefits or long-term care insurance?
Not at this time. We accept Maryland Medicaid and private pay.
How do I get started with Era Home Care?
Call us at 443-300-8839, Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, or request a free in-home assessment on our Contact page.
Before you call: what to have ready
These details help us answer your questions and plan the right care from the first conversation.
- Medicaid card or ID numberIf you have one. Not on Medicaid yet? We can still help.
- The kind of help neededFor example bathing, dressing, meals or getting around the home.
- Where care will take placeThe home address and county in Maryland.
- Days and times care is neededEven a rough idea is fine.
Don’t have everything? Call anyway. We will help you figure out the rest.
Program details are from the Maryland Department of Health (Community First Choice, CPAS) and Medicare.gov. Program rules can change.
