Under New York Medicaid PCA rules, caregiver eligibility depends on the relationship and the home care agency’s policies.

Relatives who may be eligible include:

  • Brothers or sisters
  • Grandchildren
  • Cousins
  • Nieces or nephews
  • Brothers-in-law or sisters-in-law
  • Close family friends

The following individuals are not eligible to be paid caregivers under PCA:

  • Spouses
  • Sons or daughters
  • Sons-in-law or daughters-in-law
  • Legal guardians

If you are not eligible to be the caregiver, we can help identify and support another qualified family member or trusted aide to provide care.

OPWDD Program Option

If your loved one has a developmental disability and qualifies for OPWDD services, the OPWDD waiver may allow additional caregiver options. In many cases, relatives can serve as caregivers under OPWDD, with the exception of parents of minors and most legal guardians.

We help families determine whether PCA, OPWDD, or both programs may apply based on diagnosis, age, and care needs.

Start the Home Care Eligibility Process

The first step is completing our short eligibility form. Once submitted, we review the details, confirm Medicaid status, explain available Home Care options, and guide you through the next steps.