Can you get paid to care for a family member in Alaska?

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Alaska, a relative can be paid as a personal care assistant through Medicaid personal care services, including a consumer-directed option where the recipient picks the worker. Under Community First Choice, even a spouse or the parent of a minor child can be paid, up to 40 hours a week, if they work through a certified provider. The person receiving care must be on Medicaid and qualify after a state assessment.

Which Alaska programs pay family caregivers?

Community First Choice (CFC) personal care services

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: A qualified personal care assistant employed by a certified provider. A legally responsible person (a spouse, the parent of a minor child, or a court-appointed guardian) can be paid for up to 40 hours a week.
• Who qualifies for care: Alaska Medicaid recipients who meet an institutional level of care and are assessed as needing help with daily activities.

Personal Care Services program (agency-based or consumer-directed)

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: A personal care assistant the recipient chooses, including relatives such as adult children. A spouse, the parent of a minor, anyone with a legal duty to support the recipient, and the recipient's representative cannot be paid under this program, except a court-authorized guardian.
• Who qualifies for care: Alaska Medicaid recipients whose physical condition limits their ability to do daily activities, confirmed by a state assessment.

Are there national programs too?

Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs that pay or support family caregivers: Veteran Directed Care and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.