(Hawaii) Medicaid/Quest Eligibility
State: Hawaii
Island: Oahu
I am seeking guidance regarding care options for my 87-year-old mother, who lives on Oahu with her grandson and his girlfriend. She is no longer able to fully care for herself and relies on both of them for assistance with her daily needs so she can continue living safely at home.
My son's girlfriend will be leaving her job in the coming weeks, and I would like to find out if she could become my mother's paid caregiver through a Hawaii program. I have spent a great deal of time researching this but continue to reach dead ends and would appreciate any guidance.
My mother receives approximately $2,077 per month in Social Security. She currently pays for her own health insurance premiums out of her Social Security benefits and does not need government health insurance coverage. While reviewing the Hawaii Medicaid/QUEST information, I read that certain out-of-pocket health insurance premiums may be deducted when determining eligibility. Based on those deductions, her countable income would be approximately $1,300 per month.
However, when I complete the eligibility screening and indicate that she does not need health insurance coverage, she is denied. If I enter her full Social Security income of $2,077, she is also denied because her income exceeds the limit. This has left me confused about whether there is another program or eligibility pathway that would allow her to receive in-home care services.
My mother is not able to live independently, but she does not require placement in a skilled nursing facility at this time. Unfortunately, assisted living is financially out of reach. Our goal is to keep her safely in her home for as long as possible, with my son's girlfriend providing the care she needs if there is a program that would compensate family caregivers or caregiver-like household members.
Additionally, my mother has faithfully paid for a long-term care insurance policy for approximately 30 years. We intend to continue paying the premiums so that she remains eligible for benefits if and when she eventually requires skilled nursing care. After investing in this policy for so many years, we do not want to lose that coverage.
Could you please let me know if there is a program that would allow my son's girlfriend to become a paid caregiver for my mother, or if there are other in-home care options or waivers that we should be exploring? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.