How to pay for home care in California

Private pay

Paying from savings or income is the most common route. Compare written rates and minimum hours first. See how much home care costs in Los Angeles.

Medicare

Medicare pays for part-time skilled care at home if a doctor certifies it and you are homebound. It does not pay for personal or custodial care alone. See does Medicare cover home care.¹

Medi-Cal and IHSS

In-Home Supportive Services can pay for in-home help for eligible people, and a family member can be the provider. See Medi-Cal and IHSS in Los Angeles County.

Veterans’ benefits

Aid and Attendance is an added amount on a VA pension for people who need help with daily activities. See VA Aid and Attendance.

Long-term care insurance

Check your policy’s elimination period and daily benefit. See long-term care insurance and home care.

Taxes

Whether the cost of an aide qualifies depends on your situation, so ask a tax professional. We did not find IRS text on deducting in-home aide services, so we do not state that rule here.

• Medical and long-term care expenses are deductible only to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income, and only if you itemize.²
• The Child and Dependent Care Credit can apply to a dependent adult who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lived with you more than half the year, when the expenses let you work or look for work. The expense limit is $3,000 for one qualifying person and $6,000 for two or more.³

Free help finding options

Los Angeles County’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection offers information and options counseling. Dial 211, or call 1-800-510-2020.⁴