National question: Can a family caregiver get paid? Official programs decide eligibility.
Louisiana Long Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) / Self-Direction Option¶
Louisiana offers the Self-Direction Option for personal care services through its Long Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) program. LT-PCS is the state plan personal care benefit allowing Medicaid-eligible individuals to receive attendant care in their homes. The state also provides Structured Family Caregiving through Careforth for live-in family caregivers.
Louisiana LT-PCS Self-Direction Option provides consumer-directed personal care services with attendant pay rates of approximately $10-$14/hr. Family members including spouses can be hired as paid caregivers. Structured Family Caregiving is also available through Careforth. Waitlists are typical for waiver-based services.
Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.
Eligibility¶
- Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
- Care recipient age: at least 21
- Relationship: spouse, parent
Questions to ask the program¶
These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.
- Does the person receiving care live in Louisiana? — Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
- Does your relationship to the person — spouse or parent — count for this program?
- Is the person receiving care in the covered age range (21 or older)?
- What counts as a qualifying disability or level of care need, and what documentation shows it?
- Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?
What this record does not yet say¶
- exact income limits by household size
- specific rate schedules
- a direct application link
Services¶
Louisiana LT-PCS Self-Direction Option provides consumer-directed personal care services with attendant pay rates of approximately $10-$14/hr. Family members including spouses can be hired as paid caregivers. Structured Family Caregiving is also available through Careforth. Waitlists are typical for waiver-based services.
How to apply¶
- Personal care services must be prior authorized; requests submitted to the Bureau of Health Services Financing (BHSF) or its designee; recipients or their responsible representative must request the service; call Louisiana Options in Long-Term Care at 1-877-456-1146