Financial Assistance for Alzheimer's Caregivers

The costs involved in caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be quite high. Outlined below are descriptions of the financial options available.

Health care insurance

Medicare

• Federal health insurance program generally for people age 65 or older who are receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
• Covers some, but not all, of the services a person with Alzheimer’s disease may require.
• Applications for Medicare may be sent to a local Social Security office.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE for or visit Medicare.gov more information.

Medigap

• Private insurance that supplements Medicare by covering some of the co-payments and deductibles required by Medicare.
• Some more expensive policies offer a prescription coverage.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE for or visit Medicare.gov more information.

Medicaid

• Administered by the Delaware Division of Social Services.
• Low-income uninsured adults ages 19 and older may qualify.
• Visit Delaware Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance.

Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled

• Allows low-income disabled and elderly persons to remain in their own homes rather than going into an institutional setting
• Those eligible can receive all regular Medicaid services and, as needed, case management, homemaker, respite care, an emergency response system, and day care.
• Visit Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled.

Private insurance

• Varies widely in the types of services covered.
• Check to see if your loved one has private insurance, and talk with an insurance agent about the specifics of any insurance policies held.

Social Security programs

Social Security Disability

• Assists wage earners under 65 who can no longer work because they are disabled.
• Visit the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Provides a minimum monthly income to those 65 and older who are blind or disabled, and have limited assets and income.
• Visit the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Other financial considerations

Veterans Administration

If your loved one is a veteran of the U.S. armed services, check with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wilmington VA Medical Center to find out about available benefits.

Tax savings

You or your loved one may be eligible for tax breaks for certain care and medical expenses. Check with an accountant or your local Alzheimer’s Association for tax-break information for caregivers and older Americans. The IRS also offers free tax-return preparation and tax counseling for the elderly.