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

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Rhode Island, Medicaid long-term care members can self-direct their care through the Personal Choice Program and hire their own personal care aide. A spouse, designated representative, financial power of attorney or representative payee cannot be the paid aide. The rule does not bar other relatives, such as adult children. Rhode Island also offers shared living (RIte @ Home), where a caregiver who shares the home is paid through an agency.

Which Rhode Island programs pay family caregivers?

Personal Choice Program

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Personal care aides (PCAs) the participant hires, with payroll through a certified fiscal intermediary. A PCA cannot be the participant's spouse, designated representative, financial power of attorney, or Social Security representative payee. The rule does not bar other relatives.
• Who qualifies for care: Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) eligible adults with disabilities over 18, or anyone 65 or older, who meet a high or highest level of care.

RIte @ Home shared living

• Type: Adult foster care
• Who can be paid: A principal caregiver who shares a private home with the participant, paid by the state through a service agency. Whether a relative can be the caregiver was not confirmed in the rule text.
• Who qualifies for care: Elders and adults with disabilities on Medicaid LTSS who meet nursing facility level of care.

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?

Whether a family member can be the paid caregiver in RIte @ Home shared living was not stated in the rules. Ask your case manager or the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.