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

Yes, through one program we verified. In Hawaii, family members can be paid to provide personal assistance to a Med-QUEST member who needs home care through their QUEST Integration health plan. Hawaii's Medicaid rules also allow a spouse or the parent of a minor child to be paid in extraordinary circumstances, for up to 40 hours a week. The person receiving care must be on Med-QUEST and be assessed as needing these services.

Which Hawaii programs pay family caregivers?

QUEST Integration home and community-based services: personal assistance (including self-direction)

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Relatives, legal guardians and legally responsible individuals (a spouse, or the parent or guardian of a minor child) who meet Hawaii's employment and training standards, for up to 40 hours a week. A legally responsible person can be paid only for care beyond what they would normally provide, when no other suitable caregiver can be found.
• Who qualifies for care: Med-QUEST (Medicaid) members enrolled in a QUEST Integration health plan who are assessed as needing home and community-based personal assistance, such as people who meet a nursing facility level of care or the 'at risk' criteria.

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.

What should you confirm with the state?

Ask your QUEST Integration health plan's service coordinator how to set up paid family caregiving.