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

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In West Virginia, people on the Aged and Disabled Waiver can use Personal Options to hire and supervise their own personal attendant, and family members such as adult children can be paid. Spouses and court-appointed legal guardians cannot be paid. The state's Medicaid Personal Care program also does not pay spouses or parents of minor children.

Which West Virginia programs pay family caregivers?

Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) - Personal Options (participant-directed)

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Personal attendants the member hires, trains and supervises, including family members such as adult children. A spouse or a court-appointed legal guardian cannot be paid. A medical power of attorney, power of attorney or healthcare surrogate may be paid under conditions in the manual.
• Who qualifies for care: West Virginians 18 and older who meet the Aged and Disabled Waiver's medical and financial eligibility.

Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) - Traditional agency model

• Who can be paid: Personal attendants employed by an ADW provider agency; a paid family member can be the attendant. A spouse or court-appointed legal guardian cannot be paid.
• Who qualifies for care: West Virginians 18 and older who meet the Aged and Disabled Waiver's medical and financial eligibility.

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.