 | | | In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Frequently Asked Questions | | | | | | | | |
1) What is the In Home Supportive Service program? |
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The In-Home Supportive Services Program (IHSS) provides people who are blind, disabled, or over the age of 65 with personal assistance and in-home support services so they can remain in their homes or maintain employment safely. Services range from assistance with household chores to personal care and paramedical services. The program is often seen as an alternative to assisted living or nursing facilities. |
2) Who is eligible? |
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Any California resident, living in his/her own home who meets one of the following:
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3) What services does In Home Supportive Service Medi-Cal Provide? |
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IHSS services include: • Household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry;
• Personal care services like dressing, bathing, and feeding;
• Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments;
• Protective supervision; and
• Paramedical services as ordered by a physician.
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4) Who Provides IHSS Services? |
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Some counties have contracted IHSS care providers. Community care providers, friends, neighbors, and relatives can provide services as well. You are responsible for hiring, firing, and supervising your IHSS caregiver. |
5) Who pays for IHSS services? |
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IHSS services are financed by state, county, and federal funds. Depending on your countable income, you may have to pay for a portion of the cost of services. This is known as " share of cost." |
6) How many hours of IHSS services will I receive each month? |
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Depending upon your circumstances, you may be eligible for up to 283 hours of IHSS each month. A county social worker will conduct a needs assessment to determine what services you need and how many hours you qualify for. |
7) How do I apply for IHSS? |
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Call or visit the local county Medi-Cal office to fill out an IHSS application and verify your eligibility for the program. Next, a county social worker will come to your home to conduct a needs assessment to determine the IHSS services and hours you need. |
8) How do I find out if I qualify? |
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After the needs assessment, IHSS will contact you to let you know if you have been approved or denied. If approved, you will be notified of the services and number of hours authorized. If services are denied or you are not happy with the number of hours authorized, you have the right to appeal. The appeals procedure is outlined on the back of the notice you receive. |
9) Are there limitations on the number of hours provided per task? |
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Yes. Your care provider(s) cannot spend more than 6 hours per month on domestic services, for example. Food shopping cannot exceed 1 hour per week. If you can prove that you need more time though, oftentimes, you can get it. |
10) Are there medical eligibility requirements for IHSS? |
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People with disabilities must meet Social Security's medical eligibility criteria to qualify for IHSS. |
11) Can I use IHSS hours in the workplace? |
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Yes. IHSS hours can be used to help obtain, retain, or return to work. You have to transfer hours that were delegated for in-home services to the workplace though. IHSS does not grant additional hours for use in the workplace. |
12) How do I apply to use IHSS hours in the workplace? |
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Contact your IHSS caseworker and specify the services and number of hours needed in the workplace. |
13) I'm in college. Can I use IHSS hours to help me with my courses? |
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No. IHSS hours cannot be used for assistance with college courses or vocational training. |
14) I live in an assisted living facility. Can I use IHSS services there? |
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No. If you live in a nursing home or other assisted living facility, you do not qualify for IHSS. If you plan to live on your own in the future, you can apply for IHSS services to begin after your move. |
15) What is the Residual Program? |
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There are three standard programs within IHSS that people receive services from. The Residual Program is for people who are not eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. The program provides a maximum of 195 hours per month, including protective supervision, for non-severely impaired people, and up to 283 hours per month for severely impaired persons. |
16) What is the Personal Care Services Program? |
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Non-severely impaired and severely impaired people can receive up to 283 hours of service per month under the Medi-Cal Personal Care Services Program (PCSP). This includes protective supervision. The program is available to all people with full-scope Medi-Cal who don't have a spouse or, in the case of a minor child, a parent provider. It is also available to adult children with parent providers. |
17) What is the IHSS Plus Waiver Program? |
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The IHSS Plus Waiver Program is available when there is advanced pay involved or a restaurant meal allowance. It also applies if the recipient has a spouse provider, a parent provider (in the case of a minor child), or both a spouse/parent provider and a non-parent/non-spouse provider. Maximum hours vary from 195 to 283. |
18) Who hires and supervises my caregiver? |
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You, the recipient of IHSS services, are responsible for hiring, firing, and supervising your caregiver. |
19) Can I own my own home and qualify for IHSS services? |
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Yes. Your personal property cannot exceed $2,000 to qualify for IHSS. This does not, however, include the home you live in, one car to get to and from medical appointments, and life insurance with a combined face value of less than $1,500. |
20) Can I hire family members to provide my IHSS services? |
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Yes. You can hire relatives, friends, neighbors, and other caregivers to provide you with IHSS services? |
21) Can I receive help with my medications via IHSS? |
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Yes. Your IHSS caregiver can assist you with medications and accompany you to medical appointments. |
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