Program Description
Medicaid’s Personal Care Services (PCS) program provides services to Nevada residents who need assistance to continue to live at home due to a chronic health issue or disability. By providing services in the home that assist eligible applicants with everyday activities, such as eating, walking, dressing, preparing meals, and light housecleaning, individuals who would otherwise require nursing home placement are able to continue living independently in their own homes.
With PCS there is an option for self-directed care, meaning individuals in this program act as the employer of their caregiver. They (or their personal care representative) are able to hire, train, oversee, and fire the caregiver of their choosing, given the provider is qualified for the position. An Intermediary Service Organization (ISO) handles the budgetary aspects.
Self-directed care is available throughout the state of Nevada and offers flexibility in not only choosing the provider, but also in determining when and how care should be provided. Family members, including siblings and adult children, can be hired and paid as caregivers, unless they are legally responsible for the care recipient. Spouses and other legally responsible individuals may not be paid for providing personal care under this program.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
In order to be eligible for PCS, applicants must be residents of the state of Nevada. They must be disabled or have a health issue that results in a need for assistance with ADLs, also known as Activities of Daily Living. These activities include mobility, toiletry, dressing, grooming, and eating.
An in-home assessment must be done by a licensed occupational therapist or physical therapist to determine the level of functioning and needs of the applicant.
Financial Requirements
Income Limits
In addition to the functional need, eligibility for Medicaid in Nevada also has financial criteria, which change yearly. In 2024, a single applicant is permitted a monthly income of up to $943. Married applicants with both spouses applying are permitted slightly higher income. A couple can have up to $1,415 a month in income
Asset Limits
In 2024, the value of a single applicant’s countable assets is limited to $2,000. Married applicants with both spouses applying are allowed $3,000 in assets. However, a home is exempt should the owner’s equity be valued under $713,000.
It is worth noting that the state of Nevada also offers personal care under its Elderly Waiver, which has higher income limits.
Over the Financial Limits?
Applicants with finances over these limits should consider working with a Medicaid planning professional. Persons in these situations still may be eligible for Medicaid, but just require financial expertise to help them allocate their income and resources appropriately.
Learn more about Medicaid planning here.
A Word of Caution It is vital that persons do not give away assets or sell them for less than fair market value within 60 months of one’s Medicaid application date. This is because doing so is a violation of the Medicaid look-back period and can result in Medicaid denial.
Benefits and Services
The Personal Care Services program provides eligible applicants with an in-home personal care aide, of their choosing, who provides assistance with ADLs and IADLs, such as:
- Getting in and out of a wheelchair or bed
- Using the bathroom
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Eating
- Continence
- Mobility
- Aid with laundry
- Preparation of meals
- Grocery shopping
- Light housecleaning, such as dusting and vacuuming.
How to Apply / Learn More
To learn more details about this program, one can read the state’s Personal Care Services Program Manual. However, readers should be aware that the manual is not intended for a consumer audience.
In order to receive Personal Care Services, a request for services must be made. You can do so by calling 800-525-2395. Select option 1 and then select option 4. Alternatively, one can visit the state’s long-term services and support webpage.
