With federal budget cuts to Medicaid and other social service programs looming, increased attention is being placed on home and community-based (“HCBS”) Medicaid benefits. A recent opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times titled “Beyond Grace: Family Caregivers Need Real Backing” underscores the urgent need for greater investment in elder care—particularly for those who choose to age in place at home.
Over the past decade—and especially in the wake of the devastating toll COVID-19 took on residents in long-term care facilities—more individuals and families are opting for alternatives to institutional long-term care settings. Many are turning to HCBS Medicaid, sometimes referred to as “Community Medicaid,” which provides eligible individuals access to long-term care services outside of traditional nursing homes. These services are designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities remain in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.
The benefits of HCBS are clear. Individuals and couples enjoy a higher quality of life, greater dignity and privacy, and improved emotional and mental well-being. In addition, HCBS recipients often retain more—or even all—of their income, while receiving essential services such as personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming), meal preparation and delivery, and housekeeping, to name a few.
However, the HCBS system is already stretched thin due to chronic underfunding. This has led to significant limitations on both the amount and quality of care that can be delivered. For instance, in New Jersey, HCBS is capped at just 40 hours per week. This shortfall forces many individuals who might otherwise live independently to move into institutional care settings. With further budget cuts anticipated, these limitations may become even more severe.
Now more than ever, personal stories—like those highlighted in the Los Angeles Times piece—are critical in giving voice to our aging and disabled populations. The ability to choose between institutional placement and aging at home with proper support offers hope and empowerment to families facing these difficult decisions.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our Elder Law attorneys are here to help you navigate these choices. We work with individuals and families to understand their options, develop customized asset protection plans, and guide them through every step of the Medicaid application process. Whether you’re planning for your own future or helping a parent or loved one, our team is committed to supporting you throughout the journey.