I. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Nevada

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Nevada seniors paid an average of $5,148 per month for in-home care and home health care in 2021. In-home care typically includes non-medical personal assistance and homemaker services, giving seniors access to help with meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and other chores. Home health care includes medical services performed by qualified professionals, such as physical therapy, speech therapy and skilled nursing.

The Cost of Home Care and Home Health Care in Nearby States

Although the cost of home care in Nevada is slightly higher than the national average, it has the lowest fees in the region. Seniors in California pay about $1,000 per month more for their home care services, as California has average costs of $6,101 per month for both care types. Oregon’s average costs also exceed $6,000 per month — $6,006 for in-home care and $6,101 for home health care. In Utah, seniors pay an average of $5,625 per month for in-home care and $5,720 per month for home health care. Idaho has slightly lower costs than Utah, coming in at an average of $5,434 per month for both types of care.

Home Care Home Health Care
Nevada $5,148 $5,148
National $4,957 $5,148
Oregon $6,006 $6,101
California $6,101 $6,101
Utah $5,625 $5,720
Idaho $5,434 $5,434

 

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Types of Care

Compared with other senior care options, home care’s monthly costs fall in the middle. Nursing home care is more expensive than home care, costing an average of $9,216 per month. Assisted living costs an average of $3,750 per month, making it slightly more affordable than home care. The cheapest option is adult day care, which costs an average of $1,788 per month.

II. Can Medicaid Help You Pay for Home Care in Nevada?

Nevada Medicaid provides direct coverage for home health services ordered by a doctor and performed by a licensed health professional. Covered services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, skilled nursing and dietitian services. Enrollees must receive prior approval before Medicaid pays for any of these interventions. For seniors who need personal care and other home-based assistance, Nevada has two Medicaid waiver programs.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Nevada

Frail Elderly Waiver

The Frail Elderly Waiver aims to help older adults avoid moving to long-term care facilities. It supports Nevada seniors by paying for the home- and community-based services they need to maintain their independence without sacrificing their physical or emotional well-being. Covered services include companion care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, chore services and respite care. Participants may also qualify for personal emergency response systems.

To qualify for the Frail Elderly Waiver, a Medicaid enrollee must be 65 or older, meet the Medicaid financial eligibility requirements and need a nursing home care level. For more information on this waiver program, contact the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) at (702) 486-6930 (Las Vegas/Clark County) or (888) 729-0571 (all other areas of Nevada). If you’re ready to apply, complete the Community-Based Care Program Application and send it to a local ADSD office.

Personal Care Services Program

Nevada’s Personal Care Services Program covers services that help enrollees continue living independently in their own homes. An individual must undergo an assessment to determine what type of help is needed; based on the assessment results, the program may cover meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping and/or assistance with activities of daily living.

Participants may use the agency model or the self-directed services model. Agency care is available to participants who are unwilling or unable to direct their own services. The assigned provider agency is responsible for scheduling services and finding care providers. Under the self-directed care model, a participant is responsible for managing their own services, including hiring and supervising caregivers.

To request services through the Personal Care Services Program, call (800) 525-2395.

How to Know if You're Eligible for Medicaid in Nevada

Nevada’s Medicaid program increases access to health care for low-income and very-low-income residents, so applicants must meet strict income and asset limits to qualify. As of 2022, the income limit is $10,092 per year for individuals and $15,132 per year for married couples. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services doesn’t count irrevocable burial trusts, household furnishings or clothing when determining if an applicant is under the asset limit. A primary residence is also exempt if a spouse lives in the home or if the home’s value is under $636,000. The asset limit for 2022 is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for married couples.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nevada
  Income Limits* Asset Limits
Single Person $10,092 $2,000
Two-Person Household $15,132 $3,000



*Per year

Applicants must also meet the following criteria to qualify for Medicaid in Nevada:

  • Nevada residency (must be physically present within the state)
  • U.S. citizenship, U.S. national, legal alien or permanent resident

How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada

To apply online, visit the Access Nevada website. The website has a screening tool that can help you determine if you might be eligible. You can also download an application from the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) Website. Mail the completed application to the following address:

DWSS
P.O. Box 15400
Las Vegas, NV 89114

What Information You Will Need

To qualify for Medicare, it may ask to provide proof of identity, income and other information. This may include:

  • Proof of Nevada residency
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship/immigration status
  • Financial documentation, such as bank statements
  • Proof of income, such as W-2s, pay stubs and tax returns

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

The Medicaid application process can be a little confusing, especially if you have a complex financial situation that could affect your eligibility. Contact the resources below if you have questions or need help answering the application questions.

  Contact Area Served Services Provided
Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Contact your district office Entire State DWSS has trained staff members available to answer questions about the Medicaid application, including what type of information it requires to prove eligibility.
Nevada Health Link (800) 547-2927 Entire State Nevada Health Link is the state health insurance exchange for Nevada residents. Visitors can use the website to apply for Medicaid coverage or search for low-cost health plans following Medicaid denial. Nevada Health Link also connects users with local navigator and personal assistant organizations.
Nevada Legal Services (702) 386-0404 Las Vegas, Carson City, Reno, Elko and Yerington Nevada Legal Services helps low-income Nevada residents navigate various legal issues, including problems qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits. The organization also operates the Senior Law Project, giving Nevada seniors access to expert legal advice on estate planning and other issues relevant to older adults.

 

III. Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Home Care in Nevada?

Medicare doesn’t pay for non-medical home care, but it can cover the cost of the medical version of home care, called “Home Healthcare” in some situations. In order to be eligible, you need to be homebound and have a referral from your doctor for the specific type of medical care that is needed. There are also other restrictions that apply.

Below is an overview of some of the services typically covered by Medicare for those who are eligible:

  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), and to treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, physical therapy is often provided in the home to help seniors recover from surgeries and procedures, such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Nursing Care: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services (such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.) for those who need medical care, but don’t need to stay in a hospital full-time.
  • Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy is designed to help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc., and providers can travel to your home if needed.
  • Speech Therapy: Seniors can lose the ability to adequately communicate for many reasons, and speech therapists are there to help seniors regain the ability to communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets and teaching special techniques to swallow safely.

As mentioned above, home care is distinctly different from home healthcare, but there is some overlap – so while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical home care, there are personal care services that may be covered in special circumstances – such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing.

Read our guide to Medicare and Home Care Coverage for more information.

IV. Other Financial Assistance Options for Home Care in Nevada

While the above programs can be a great way to make home care affordable for many people, they are not the right solution for everyone. Thankfully, there are other ways to make home care more affordable for you and your family. For more information about your other options, read our section on Other Ways to Pay for this guide.

V. Free Resources for Aging in Place in Nevada

The Silver State has a variety of resources available to help seniors maintain their dignity and independence. Consult these resources if you need help to continue aging in place.

Contact Area Served Services Provided
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (LACSN) (702) 386-1070 Las Vegas and surrounding areas The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada offers several resources to help seniors manage their affairs. Attorneys provide legal advice related to tenant rights, foreclosure law, debt collection and bankruptcy. LACSN also provides free classes to help residents of Las Vegas and surrounding areas learn how to protect their legal rights.
Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Community Advocates (775) 687-4210 Entire State ADS has community advocates available to educate seniors on the many resources available to help them. Advocates attend local events, share information on active programs and provide emergency advice and assistance to eligible residents of Nevada.
Senior Medicare Patrol (888) 838-7305 Entire State Senior Medicare Patrol helps Nevada seniors and their caregivers prevent and detect Medicare-related fraud. Staff members and trained volunteers participate in a variety of outreach efforts, including free presentations to make Medicare-eligible individuals aware of their rights.
Nevada Energy Assistance Program (EAP) Contact your local energy assistance office Entire State Nevada’s EAP uses state and federal funds to help consumers cover the cost of home energy services. It pays benefits directly to utility providers once per year.
Nevada Senior Rx Program (866) 303-6323 Entire State The Nevada Senior Rx program helps with prescription costs for seniors and disabled individuals who don’t qualify for Medicaid, Medicare Extra Help or other need-based programs. Eligible seniors receive a monthly stipend to reduce Medicare Part D coverage costs. As of 2022, its monthly benefit limit is $37.

 

VI. Vaccination Requirements & COVID-19 Rules for Home Care Aides in Nevada

Unless Nevada home health workers have an approved exemption, they must have received their full COVID-19 vaccination by February 28, 2022. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued this rule to protect vulnerable community members against this novel coronavirus. Home care providers that aren’t subject to CMS requirements don’t have to follow this rule.

The CMS mandate was in effect as of April 2022, but public health officials are monitoring the COVID-19 spread and may update their recommendations at any time. Seniors with concerns about vaccination should contact a local Area Agency on Aging for more information. Home care agencies may also set vaccination or personal protection equipment (PPE) requirements even if they’re not subject to the CMS mandate. Contact your local agency for more information about the current rules.

VII. Rules and Regulations for Home Care Providers in Nevada

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services enforces Chapter 449 of the Administrative Code, which includes regulations regarding home health and personal care services.

What Types of Care Can Be Provided? Home care workers are allowed to provide a wide range of non-medical services, which may include grooming, light housekeeping and assistance performing daily living activities. A home care worker is also permitted to supervise a client and report any changes in status to the assigned nurse.
Are Care Plans Required? Clients and/or their designated representatives must receive a written plan describing the provided services and explaining how much they will cost.
Can Home Care Providers Assist with Medication Management? Home care workers aren’t allowed to administer medications of any kind, including over-the-counter vitamins, minerals and pain relievers.
Are There Special Requirements for Screening Home Care Aides? Employees who will have direct contact with clients must undergo a background check. A direct care employee isn’t allowed to care for patients until the agency has completed this background check.
Are Home Care Aides Required to Undergo Special Training? Home care providers must complete training on recognizing the abuse of older adults, displaying cultural competence when working with clients and other topics described under the Nevada licensing regulations. Individual agencies may choose to require training that goes beyond the minimum requirements set by the state.
Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Nevada? Nevada Medicaid covers medically necessary interventions ordered by a physician. These services must be provided by a licensed health care professional. Nevada also has two Medicaid waivers that cover personal care and other services to help seniors remain in their homes.
How Do I Report Abuse of Myself or a Loved One? You should report the potential abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment of a senior citizen to Adult Protective Services. Call (702) 486-6930 in Clark County or (888) 729-0571 in other areas of Nevada.

VIII. How to Find a Home Care Provider in Nevada

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. To help you overcome this challenge, we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs, and finding a home care agency that will be the best fit for you and your family.



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