All states and the District of Columbia pay family caregivers through Medicaid. A number of states offer some form of compensation, benefits, or support to family caregivers in circumstances that meet the requirements and eligibility factors. For example, California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii are some of the many states that pay family caregivers and provide ongoing resources and support for caregiving. If a person with a disability is already receiving Medicaid, their state may allow a family member or friend to become a paid caregiver.
Most states don't require any particular training for a family member acting as a PCA in the consumer-facing option, but they leave customers to do the necessary training. Only six states (Arizona, New York, Washington, South Carolina, Texas and Utah) require any type of minimum PCA training. All 50 states have some type of program that allows family members to become paid caregivers for their elderly loved ones. These programs, which are usually part of Medicaid under the home and community services program known nationally as “cash and counseling,” vary in terms of levels of care.
Also known as “consumer-directed care” or “self-directed services,” these programs allow the person receiving care to choose their own caregiver.
