Medicaid Prior Authorization, known as PA or Medicaid PA, refers to the need to get prior authorization for certain medical goods or services from Medicaid. If your loved one with autism has Medicaid they might qualify to receive Home Health Services. A parent or guardian through a Medicaid Home Health Service provider can become a paid licensed home health aid (HHA) for their loved one with autism. *Note: Home Health Services is not part of the Medicaid waiver program and will not affected waiver budgets or services.
Read more about Home Health Services.
Qualifications for Home Health Services
Home health services are available to any age when the services are:
- Medically necessary
- Ordered in writing by one of the following licensed practitioners for the service to be performed: Physician, Nurse practitioner, Clinical nurse specialist or Physician assistant
- Performed on a part-time and intermittent basis in accordance with a written plan of treatment
Finding a Home Health Service Provider
Contact a Home Health Service Provider to see if your loved one with autism will qualify for Home Health Services. Once it is confirmed, you will find out how many hours of home health services they will receive. Each Home Health Service Providers has different processes and training procedures to become a HHA along with hourly rates. For example, HHA training could be 20 hours of online video training classes with one week of in-person “hands on” training. All HHA will need to be CPR certified, drug and tuberculosis (TB) tested.
What to Expect when Home Health Services Begins
As a HHA for your loved one with autism you will need to be in the home for your home health hours. You will not be able to run out for errands or appointments during the hours. Talk with your Home Health Service Provider to figure out the best schedule. You will be assigned a Registered Nurse (RN) that will oversee your loved one with autism service plan and will make home visits each month. Depending on the Home Health Provider you will use an app to track your hours and any notes needed about the care for your loved one with autism.
Home Health Aid Care Services
The level of care and service plan is specific for each individual. As a HHA here are some examples of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) you could provide for your loved one with autism.
- Skin care
- Hair care
- Toileting assistance
- Hygiene care
- Showering assistance
- Mouth care
- Getting dressed
- Preparing meals
- Assist with feeding
- Check pressure points
- Encourage fluid intake
- Medication reminders