Medicaid Program
Understanding Georgia Medicaid Programs That Help Pay for Home Care
Many families are surprised to learn that Medicaid is not just one program. In Georgia, several Medicaid programs may help eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities receive care in the comfort of their own homes instead of moving into a nursing facility.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, covered services, and enrollment process. Understanding the differences can help you identify which options may be available for your loved one.
Georgia Medicaid Programs That May Help Pay for Home Care
1. Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP)
(Formerly CCSP and SOURCE)
The Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP) is Georgia’s primary Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. It combines the former Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and SOURCE into one program designed to help eligible individuals remain safely at home.
Services may include:
- Personal care assistance
- Bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Adult day health services
- Home-delivered meals
- Emergency response systems
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Care coordination
2. Medicaid State Plan Personal Support Services (PSS)
Personal Support Services provide assistance with daily living activities for eligible Medicaid recipients who need help remaining safely at home. Depending on eligibility, services may include personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and other essential daily tasks.
3. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE is available in select Georgia communities and provides comprehensive medical care, therapy, transportation, prescriptions, adult day services, and home care for qualifying adults who meet nursing home level of care requirements while continuing to live in the community.
4. Hospice Benefits Through Medicaid
For individuals with a terminal illness, Medicaid may cover hospice services focused on comfort, symptom management, emotional support, and quality of life. Hospice care may be provided at home, in an assisted living community, or in a hospice facility.
5. Medicaid Home Health Services
When medically necessary and prescribed by a physician, Medicaid may cover skilled home health services such as nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, and certain medical equipment. These services are different from non-medical home care and are generally short-term.
Who May Qualify for EDWP?
To qualify for the Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program, applicants generally must:
- Be a Georgia resident.
- Meet Georgia Medicaid income and asset requirements.
- Be age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability.
- Require a nursing home level of care while wishing to remain at home.
- Complete a medical assessment to determine eligibility.
For 2026, a single applicant generally must have:
- Monthly income of no more than $2,982 (300% of the Federal SSI Benefit Rate).
- Countable assets of $2,000 or less, although certain assets, such as a primary residence and one vehicle, may not count toward this limit.
Because Medicaid eligibility rules can change and some financial resources may be exempt, it’s always best to verify current requirements or speak with a Medicaid planning professional.
How Many Hours of Care Will Medicaid Approve?
One of the most common questions families ask is:
“How many hours will Medicaid pay for?”
There isn’t a standard number of hours.
The amount of care approved depends on:
- Your loved one’s medical condition.
- Their ability to perform activities of daily living.
- The results of the state assessment.
- Safety concerns within the home.
- The services authorized in the individual’s care plan.
Some people receive only a few hours of assistance each week, while others qualify for substantially more support. Medicaid authorizes only the amount of care determined to be medically necessary.
Is There a Waiting List?
Sometimes.
Because EDWP is a Medicaid waiver program with limited funding, openings may not always be immediately available. In some parts of Georgia, applicants may be placed on a waiting list until services become available.
If you believe your loved one may qualify, it’s wise to begin the application process as early as possible rather than waiting until a crisis occurs.
How Certified Home Care of Georgia Can Help
While we cannot determine Medicaid eligibility or approve waiver services, we can help you understand the application process, explain your options, answer your questions, and connect you with the appropriate agencies and community resources.
If your loved one qualifies for EDWP, we can also discuss private home care options to help bridge the gap while you’re waiting for services or if additional hours of care are needed beyond what Medicaid authorizes.
Remember: Receiving only a few Medicaid-funded hours each week doesn’t mean your loved one can’t receive additional support. Many families combine Medicaid services with private home care to create a personalized care plan that keeps their loved one safe, comfortable, and independent at home. If you need additional care from 1-24 hours call us today 770 635 8042
Gi