I have been a full-time plus caregiver for my grandmother. What do I need to do to get paid by Medicaid

Q) I have been a full-time plus caregiver for my grandmother for a number of years and I’m financially drained. She’s considered a low income senior etc. My question is a) What do I need to do to get paid by Medicaid for being a care taker or getting the funds I’d qualify for. b) Is there also a state agency I can talk to about getting paid by the state directly for being her caretaker. Thanks, Mike

A) Some states have programs that help people pay for the caregiver of their choice, and in certain circumstances that can be a family member. These programs — called, variously, “consumer-directed,” “participant-directed,” “cash and counseling” or other titles — differ enormously depending on where you live. Most have income and other eligibility requirements that the care recipient must meet, and strict rules often apply as to who can be paid for the caregiving. For information about what’s available in your state, contact your local Medicaid or aging services department or go to the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-06-2012/can-i-get-paid-for-taking-care-of-my-mother.html