How to Pay for In-Home Care
How to Pay for Home Care in Oklahoma
Jump to a state to see its Medicaid programs, waivers, and other ways to help pay for in-home care.
Oklahoma families typically start by screening qualifying older adults and adults with physical disabilities for ADvantage, the state's major aging/physical-disability HCBS pathway for those who meet SoonerCare and nursing-facility level-of-care rules, using CDPASS to self-direct personal assistance where eligible (exception rules can also permit a spouse or legal guardian to be paid when strict criteria are met). Adults 19+ who meet a hospital or skilled-nursing level of care should look at Medically Fragile for personal care, nursing, respite, equipment, and self-direction, while State Plan Personal Care offers a separate all-ages SoonerCare personal-care route (though legally responsible relatives cannot be paid under SPPC). As of March 2026, SoonerCare Paid Family Caregiver lets a trained qualifying family member provide up to 40 hours a week of approved care for a child approved for Private Duty Nursing, and people with intellectual/developmental disabilities should screen the DDS waivers (Community, In-Home Supports for Adults and Children, and Homeward Bound), which allow self-direction and, since February 2025, payment to certain legally responsible individuals for Non-Residential HTS under extraordinary-care rules. Families should also check PACE for adults 55+ in a participating area and Living Choice for institutional transitions, layering on Medicare Savings, caregiver tax relief, food and energy assistance, property-tax relief, communications assistance, and Veteran benefits.
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by Valerie VanBooven, RN, BSN
Oklahoma Medicaid HCBS
ADvantage Waiver
YesHelps pay for: Comprehensive home- and community-based services designed to prevent or delay nursing-facility placement, including personal care, respite, meals, nursing, equipment and supports.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Call the Medicaid Services Unit/CareLine for screening and ADvantage application.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on service; CDPASS and limited spouse/legal-guardian exceptions create paid-caregiver routes
Medically Fragile Waiver
YesHelps pay for: Home/community alternative for qualifying medically fragile adults, including personal care, nursing, respite, meals, equipment, therapy and self-directed supports.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Call CareLine and ask for Medically Fragile waiver screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on service; CDPASS and limited spouse/legal-guardian exceptions may create paid-caregiver routes
Participant-Directed / ADvantage
Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services and Supports (CDPASS)
YesHelps pay for: Member can recruit, hire, schedule and manage personal-services assistants and an authorized employer budget with fiscal support.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask the ADvantage case manager specifically for CDPASS/self-direction.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Many relatives may potentially work if qualified; spouse/legal guardian requires the special ADvantage exception. Authorized representative cannot also be the paid PSA/APSA.
Paid Family Caregiver / ADvantage
ADvantage Spouse or Legal Guardian Paid-Caregiver Exception
YesHelps pay for: Allows reimbursement for authorized personal-care services by a spouse or legal guardian in limited circumstances.
Who qualifies: Requires evidence such as no available provider, providers unable to meet complex needs, or detriment from using another provider; care must exceed ordinary spouse/guardian duties and be in the service plan.
How to start: Ask the case manager to evaluate the spouse/legal-guardian exception and required documentation.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - only when exception criteria are met; generally no more than 40 service hours in a 7-day period
ADvantage Waiver Service
ADvantage Personal Care
YesHelps pay for: Hands-on help with ADLs/IADLs needed to remain safely at home.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request personal care during ADvantage assessment/person-centered planning.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially - provider/relationship rules apply; legally responsible relatives require the special exception
Advanced Supportive / Restorative Assistance
YesHelps pay for: Higher-level supportive/restorative assistance authorized under ADvantage.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask the case manager whether advanced supportive/restorative assistance is clinically appropriate.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially - worker qualifications and relationship rules apply
Adult Day Health
YesHelps pay for: Daytime health, supervision, activities and support that can reduce in-home caregiving hours.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request Adult Day Health in the ADvantage service plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Personal Care in Adult Day Health
YesHelps pay for: Personal-care help delivered as part of an authorized adult-day setting.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask the case manager/adult-day provider about authorized personal-care components.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Home-Delivered Meals
IndirectHelps pay for: Prepared meals delivered to the home, reducing meal-preparation burden.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request meal support in the ADvantage service plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
In-Home Respite
YesHelps pay for: Short-term in-home care that relieves an unpaid caregiver.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request respite through the ADvantage case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually not paid to the caregiver receiving relief
Extended In-Home Respite
YesHelps pay for: Longer authorized respite periods in the home when waiver criteria are met.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Discuss extended respite need with the ADvantage case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually not paid to the caregiver receiving relief
Nursing Facility Extended Respite
IndirectHelps pay for: Temporary facility-based respite that can relieve a family caregiver during an approved period.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask the case manager whether facility respite is authorized and appropriate.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Skilled Nursing
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: Authorized skilled nursing in the home/community.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request nursing assessment and service-plan authorization.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only if the relative is properly licensed, qualified and permitted under program/provider rules
RN Assessment / Evaluation
IndirectHelps pay for: Registered-nurse assessment/evaluation that supports safe care planning and service authorization.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Coordinate through the ADvantage case manager and nursing provider.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Environmental Modifications
IndirectHelps pay for: Home adaptations needed for health, safety, access or independence.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request an environmental-modification assessment through the case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No caregiver wage
Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies
IndirectHelps pay for: Authorized equipment and supplies not otherwise available through another payer.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask the case manager to document the need and check other-payer coverage first.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
IndirectHelps pay for: Emergency-response technology supporting safety and independent living.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request PERS in the service plan when clinically/functionally indicated.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Assistive Technology
IndirectHelps pay for: Approved technology that supports independence, communication or safety.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask the case manager about assistive-technology assessment and authorization.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Remote Supports
IndirectHelps pay for: Technology-enabled monitoring/support that can supplement in-person assistance when approved.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask whether remote supports are available and appropriate in the individual plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Assisted Living Service Option
Yes - setting-basedHelps pay for: Waiver-funded service package in qualifying assisted-living settings for eligible members.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask CareLine/case manager about assisted-living service availability and provider participation.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No separate family wage
Occupational / Physical / Respiratory / Speech Therapy
Yes - clinical supportHelps pay for: Authorized therapy services that support function, safety and independence.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Request therapy evaluation/authorization through the service plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No routine family wage
ADvantage Transition Support
Institutional Transition / Transitional Services
IndirectHelps pay for: Supports tied to moving from an institution into a home/community setting.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare financial eligibility plus ADvantage functional/level-of-care criteria; needs must be safely met in the community; service-plan authorization and an available waiver slot apply. Current Oklahoma pages should be checked for the exact disability-age entry rule.
How to start: Ask the case manager about transition services before discharge.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Participant-Directed / Medically Fragile
Medically Fragile CDPASS
YesHelps pay for: Self-directed personal assistance using participant employer authority and a personalized budget.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the Medically Fragile case manager specifically about CDPASS.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Many relatives may potentially work if qualified; legally responsible relationships have special limits
Self-Directed Goods and Services
IndirectHelps pay for: Approved participant-directed goods/services that support assessed goals and community living.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the case manager which self-directed goods/services can be included in the budget.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No caregiver wage unless a separate authorized personal-assistance service applies
Paid Family Caregiver / Medically Fragile
Medically Fragile Spouse or Legal Guardian Paid-Caregiver Exception
YesHelps pay for: Allows a spouse or legal guardian of an adult member to provide authorized waiver care in limited circumstances.
Who qualifies: Requires no other suitable provider or sufficiently extensive needs plus service necessity above ordinary family duties; caregiver must be qualified and service-plan requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the waiver case manager to document and review the legally responsible caregiver exception.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - exception criteria apply; generally no more than 40 hours in a 7-day period
Medically Fragile Waiver Service
Advanced Supportive / Restorative Assistance
YesHelps pay for: Higher-level supportive/restorative help for authorized medically fragile needs.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Request through the Medically Fragile person-centered plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially - provider/relationship rules apply
Personal Care
YesHelps pay for: ADL/IADL personal-care assistance in the home.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Request personal care through the waiver case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially; spouse/legal guardian only through the applicable exception
Respite
YesHelps pay for: Temporary care that relieves an unpaid caregiver.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the case manager to add respite based on assessed need.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually not a wage for the caregiver receiving respite
Skilled Nursing
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: Skilled nursing authorized in the home/community.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Coordinate clinical need and authorization with the case manager/provider.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only if relative is licensed, qualified and permitted by program/provider rules
Private Duty Nursing
Yes - skilled nursingHelps pay for: Extended skilled nursing for qualifying members with high medical needs.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the case manager and treating clinician about PDN authorization.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only through qualified/licensed provider arrangements; not a general family wage
Home-Delivered Meals
IndirectHelps pay for: Prepared meals delivered to the home when authorized.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Request meal support in the waiver plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Environmental Modifications
IndirectHelps pay for: Home adaptations to improve safety, access or independence.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Request assessment and authorization through the case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No caregiver wage
Specialized Medical Equipment / Supplies
IndirectHelps pay for: Authorized equipment and supplies related to assessed medical/functional needs.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the case manager to check waiver coverage after other available payers.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
IndirectHelps pay for: Emergency-response technology that supports safe community living.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Request PERS when supported by the plan of care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Occupational / Physical / Respiratory / Speech Therapy
Yes - clinical supportHelps pay for: Authorized therapy services supporting function and medical needs.
Who qualifies: Age 19+; SoonerCare financial eligibility; hospital or skilled-nursing level of care; can be served safely at home/community; service-plan and waiver-slot requirements apply.
How to start: Request therapy through the waiver plan and qualified providers.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No routine family wage
Medicaid State Plan
State Plan Personal Care (SPPC)
YesHelps pay for: Personal-care help with bathing, grooming, transfers, toileting, meals, laundry, shopping and light housekeeping for eligible SoonerCare members.
Who qualifies: Available to eligible SoonerCare members of any age who meet financial and medical/functional criteria; service must be authorized.
How to start: Call CareLine and ask for State Plan Personal Care screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Some non-legally-responsible relatives may qualify through provider rules; spouse, legal guardian and parent of a minor cannot be paid for SPPC
SoonerCare Private Duty Nursing (PDN)
Yes - skilled nursingHelps pay for: Extended skilled nursing for eligible members with medical necessity and prior authorization.
Who qualifies: Prior authorization and medical necessity required. PDN is broadly a child benefit; adult coverage is limited to specified circumstances/waivers.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician/home health agency to pursue PDN prior authorization.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Not a routine family wage; the separate PFC program may substitute trained family care for some qualifying children's hours
SoonerCare Home Health
Yes - limited/skilledHelps pay for: Medically necessary intermittent home-health services such as skilled nursing, aide and therapy under state-plan rules.
Who qualifies: SoonerCare eligibility, medical necessity, ordering/plan-of-care and provider requirements apply; not unlimited custodial care.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician and a SoonerCare-contracted home health agency.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No routine family wage
Paid Family Caregiver / SoonerCare
Paid Family Caregiver (PFC) for Medically Complex Children
YesHelps pay for: Allows a trained family member to work through a home care agency and provide approved care that can safely be delivered without a nurse.
Who qualifies: Child age 0-20; already approved for Private Duty Nursing; complex special health care needs; family caregiver must meet training, credentialing and agency requirements. Benefit available March 1, 2026.
How to start: Ask the child's PDN/home care agency and OHCA care-management team about PFC authorization and training.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - qualifying family caregiver; up to 40 hours/week, concurrent with rather than added to authorized PDN
Medicaid Eligibility Path
TEFRA - Care for Children with Disabilities
IndirectHelps pay for: Allows certain children with disabilities to qualify for SoonerCare using special eligibility rules so medically necessary services can support care at home.
Who qualifies: Under age 19; meets disability, institutional-level-of-care, financial/resource and cost-effectiveness requirements; parental income/resources generally receive special treatment under TEFRA rules.
How to start: Apply through SoonerCare and ask specifically for TEFRA eligibility review.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct caregiver wage; can unlock covered Medicaid services
Medicaid Transition
Living Choice / Money Follows the Person
Yes / IndirectHelps pay for: Transition coordination and community services for qualifying SoonerCare members moving from institutional care to the community.
Who qualifies: Target groups include adults with physical disabilities, older adults with chronic illness and people with intellectual disabilities; generally requires at least 60 days in a qualifying institution plus SoonerCare/transition criteria.
How to start: Contact Living Choice before discharge and coordinate with facility planning.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Self-directed options may be available; relationship rules depend on the authorized service
Living Choice One-Time Transition Funds
IndirectHelps pay for: Up to $3,000 in one-time transition support for approved community setup needs.
Who qualifies: Must be an approved Living Choice participant and the expense must be part of the authorized transition plan.
How to start: Ask the Living Choice transition coordinator what one-time expenses are allowable.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No caregiver wage
Integrated Long-Term Care
PACE - Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
YesHelps pay for: Integrated Medicare/Medicaid medical and long-term-care model that can provide personal care, home care and other services needed to stay in the community.
Who qualifies: Age 55+; live in a PACE service area; meet nursing-home level of care; able to live safely in the community. Medicaid financial rules apply for Medicaid-funded enrollment.
How to start: Contact an Oklahoma PACE organization and verify service-area eligibility.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No separate family wage; the PACE organization arranges/provides covered care
DDS Medicaid HCBS
Community Waiver
YesHelps pay for: Broad home/community services for eligible people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Apply through DDS intake; if enrolled, work with the case manager on the individual plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially - provider/relationship rules apply; selected services can be self-directed
In-Home Supports Waiver for Adults (IHSW-A)
YesHelps pay for: Home/community supports for qualifying adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities living in non-residential settings.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Apply through DDS intake; if enrolled, work with the case manager on the individual plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially - self-direction may allow qualified workers; LRI payment has separate Non-Residential HTS rules
In-Home Supports Waiver for Children (IHSW-C)
YesHelps pay for: Home/community supports for qualifying children with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Apply through DDS intake; if enrolled, work with the case manager on the individual plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially - self-direction may apply; parent/LRI payment only through the special Non-Residential HTS route when criteria are met
Homeward Bound Waiver
YesHelps pay for: HCBS for the specific Homeward Bound target population under Oklahoma DDS waiver rules.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Apply through DDS intake; if enrolled, work with the case manager on the individual plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on service and provider/relationship rules
Participant-Directed / DDS
DDS Self-Directed Services
YesHelps pay for: Employer/budget authority for selected services under Community, IHSW-A and IHSW-C waivers for qualifying members in non-residential settings.
Who qualifies: Must be enrolled in an eligible DDS waiver and live in a non-residential setting; worker, employer-of-record, fiscal and service-plan requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the DDS case manager for self-direction; contact Acumen for fiscal/employer support.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Qualified relatives may potentially work under applicable rules; legally responsible individuals use the separate LRI Non-Residential HTS pathway
Paid Family Caregiver / DDS
Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) Paid Non-Residential HTS
YesHelps pay for: Allows certain parents/guardians of minors, spouses of adults and other legally responsible individuals to be paid for Non-Residential Habilitation Training Specialist services when strict criteria are met.
Who qualifies: Member must be on a DDS waiver and authorized for Non-Residential HTS; extraordinary caregiving needs are assessed annually; LRI must meet provider requirements. A self-directed employer of record cannot also be paid HTS.
How to start: Ask the DDS case manager to start the LRI process and extraordinary-care assessment.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - since Feb. 3, 2025; same-household HTS generally capped at 40 hours/week
DDS Waiver Service
Non-Residential Habilitation Training Specialist (HTS)
YesHelps pay for: Skill-building, supervision and supports in a non-residential setting to increase or maintain independence.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Ask the DDS case manager whether Non-Residential HTS is authorized in the plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially; an LRI can be paid only under the special LRI rule/process
DDS Respite
YesHelps pay for: Temporary supports that relieve an unpaid caregiver.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Request respite based on assessed caregiver/support needs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Generally not a wage for the caregiver receiving respite
Architectural / Home Modifications
IndirectHelps pay for: Approved accessibility or safety modifications supporting community living.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Ask the DDS case manager about waiver-specific limits and authorization.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No caregiver wage
Adaptive Equipment / Medical Supplies
IndirectHelps pay for: Approved equipment and supplies supporting disability-related needs and independence.
Who qualifies: Must meet Oklahoma DDS developmental-disability and applicable HCBS waiver criteria; services require an approved plan and waiver enrollment. Capacity/priority rules may affect timing.
How to start: Request through the individual plan after checking other available coverage.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicaid Transportation
SoonerRide Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
IndirectHelps pay for: Free non-emergency transportation to covered SoonerCare medical appointments; mileage reimbursement may be available when pre-authorized.
Who qualifies: Eligible SoonerCare member and medically necessary covered trip; routine rides generally must be scheduled at least 3 business days in advance.
How to start: Call the reservation line before the appointment and obtain a confirmation/trip authorization number.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No caregiver wage; approved mileage reimbursement can offset transport costs
Caregiver Support / Aging Network
National Family Caregiver Support Program / Area Agency on Aging
IndirectHelps pay for: Information, counseling/training, respite and supplemental caregiver supports can reduce unpaid-caregiver burden and purchased-care needs.
Who qualifies: Caregiver and care-recipient eligibility plus local funding rules apply under Older Americans Act programs.
How to start: Call the Aging and Disability Info-line and ask for the local AAA/caregiver-support program.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually not a caregiver wage; respite and supplemental supports depend on local funding
Medicare Cost Offset
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI and related help)
IndirectHelps pay for: May pay Medicare Part A/B premiums and, depending on category, some cost sharing, freeing household funds for care.
Who qualifies: Medicare beneficiary meeting Oklahoma income/resource and program criteria.
How to start: Apply through Oklahoma Human Services; MAP/SHIP can provide free counseling and application help.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare
Medicare Home Health
Yes - limited/skilledHelps pay for: Intermittent skilled nursing, therapy and certain home health aide services for eligible homebound beneficiaries.
Who qualifies: Must meet Medicare home-health eligibility, including qualifying skilled need, certification and plan-of-care requirements.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician and a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No routine family wage
Medicare Hospice
YesHelps pay for: Interdisciplinary end-of-life care can include nursing, aides, equipment, medications and respite related to the terminal illness.
Who qualifies: Medicare hospice eligibility/election and plan-of-care requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the clinician/hospice for evaluation and compare Medicare-certified providers.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Prescription Cost Offset
Medicare Part D Extra Help
IndirectHelps pay for: Reduces Part D premiums, deductibles and prescription costs, preserving funds for caregiving.
Who qualifies: Medicare beneficiary meeting Extra Help criteria; some people qualify automatically.
How to start: Apply through Social Security or ask MAP/SHIP for help.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Food Cost Offset
SNAP
IndirectHelps pay for: Monthly food assistance can reduce grocery costs and free household funds for home care.
Who qualifies: Household income/resource and program rules apply.
How to start: Apply through Oklahoma Human Services / OKDHSLive or call for SNAP assistance.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Energy / Home Cost Offset
LIHEAP / Energy Crisis Assistance
IndirectHelps pay for: Seasonal heating/cooling assistance and crisis help can reduce utility costs and protect the home environment.
Who qualifies: Income and program-specific rules apply; regular benefit windows are seasonal and funding-limited, while life-threatening crisis procedures differ.
How to start: Check the current Oklahoma Human Services LIHEAP page and apply during an open window.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Caregiver Tax Relief
Oklahoma Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit
IndirectHelps pay for: State income-tax credit for eligible out-of-pocket expenses of unpaid family caregivers, including certain home-care/support costs.
Who qualifies: Current pre-Nov. 1, 2026 rules generally cap the credit at $2,000, or $3,000 for care of a veteran or person with a dementia-related diagnosis, with income and care-recipient rules. HB 4118 expands the credit effective Nov. 1, 2026 and adds provisions claimable on 2026 returns.
How to start: Keep receipts/documentation and review current Oklahoma Tax Commission instructions when filing.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Not a wage - tax credit for qualifying unpaid-caregiver expenses
State Tax Cost Offset
Oklahoma Age-65+ Individual Income-Tax Exemption
IndirectHelps pay for: An additional state income-tax exemption may reduce taxes for qualifying older residents and preserve funds for care.
Who qualifies: Oklahoma residents age 65+ may qualify subject to filing status and income rules; verify the current tax-year instructions.
How to start: Review Oklahoma Tax Commission exemptions and current individual income-tax forms.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Property Tax Cost Offset
Senior Property Valuation Limitation / Homestead Relief
IndirectHelps pay for: Qualifying older homeowners may limit increases in taxable property valuation or receive other homestead-related relief, preserving funds for care.
Who qualifies: Age, owner-occupancy, income and county filing rules apply; qualification thresholds can change by year.
How to start: Contact the county assessor and review the current Oklahoma property-valuation limitation materials.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Communications Cost Offset
Lifeline
IndirectHelps pay for: Federal Lifeline can reduce phone/internet costs for qualifying low-income households, preserving funds for care and caregiver communication.
Who qualifies: Income or qualifying-program eligibility under federal Lifeline rules.
How to start: Apply through the federal Lifeline administrator.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Benefits
VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide
YesHelps pay for: Personal care and help with daily activities delivered through VA-authorized home health aide agencies.
Who qualifies: Veteran must be enrolled/eligible for VA health care and clinically need the service; authorization and local availability apply. Ask the VA primary care team/social worker for a Geriatrics and Extended Care assessment.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No routine direct family wage
Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)
YesHelps pay for: Participant-directed budget for personal care and supports, giving the Veteran substantial choice/control over workers.
Who qualifies: Veteran needs nursing-home-level services or significant ADL support and must be served by a participating VDC program; local availability matters. Ask the VA social worker whether VDC is available through the local VA/aging-network partnership.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Veteran-Directed Care (VDC).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Often yes - family/friends may potentially be hired subject to VDC, fiscal/employer and local program rules
VA Skilled Home Health Care
Yes - skilledHelps pay for: Short-term/intermittent skilled nursing, therapy and other clinical home-health services authorized by VA.
Who qualifies: Clinical need, VA authorization and participating provider requirements apply. Ask the VA care team for home-health referral/authorization.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Skilled Home Health Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only if a relative is independently qualified/enrolled under applicable provider rules
VA Respite Care
YesHelps pay for: Short-term in-home, adult-day or facility respite to relieve a family caregiver.
Who qualifies: Veteran must meet clinical eligibility and authorization criteria; modality/availability varies. Ask the VA care team or Caregiver Support Program about respite.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Respite Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No - benefit is designed to give the caregiver relief
VA Adult Day Health Care
Indirect / YesHelps pay for: Daytime health, rehabilitation, social and supervision services that can reduce home-care hours.
Who qualifies: VA clinical eligibility, authorization and local program availability apply. Ask the VA social worker/primary care team about adult day health.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Adult Day Health Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
VA Home Based Primary Care
Yes - medical careHelps pay for: Interdisciplinary primary care delivered at home for Veterans whose medical needs make clinic-based care difficult.
Who qualifies: Clinical complexity/homebound need and local HBPC program eligibility apply. Ask the VA primary care team for HBPC screening.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Home Based Primary Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
IndirectHelps pay for: Caregiver education/support and, for eligible Primary Family Caregivers, a monthly stipend plus other benefits.
Who qualifies: Veteran and caregiver must meet current PCAFC eligibility, service-connection/care-needs and application requirements. Apply jointly through VA caregiver benefits; local Caregiver Support team can help.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - monthly stipend for an approved Primary Family Caregiver
Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)
IndirectHelps pay for: Coaching, training, peer support, referrals and caregiver resources for eligible Veteran caregivers.
Who qualifies: Generally available to caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care; program-specific participation rules apply. Contact the local VA Caregiver Support Program.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No stipend under PGCSS
VA Pension Aid & Attendance / Housebound
Yes - cash can offset careHelps pay for: Increased monthly VA pension for qualifying Veterans/survivors who need help with daily activities, are housebound or meet specified criteria; funds can help pay for care.
Who qualifies: Must first qualify for VA Pension/survivors pension and satisfy Aid & Attendance or Housebound criteria. File with VA or work with an accredited Veteran Service Officer.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Pension Aid & Attendance / Housebound.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Can be used toward privately arranged care subject to pension rules; not a VA caregiver wage
VA Community Care Network - Oklahoma Region 3
Yes when authorizedHelps pay for: Authorized community providers can deliver VA-approved services when Community Care eligibility/authorization applies.
Who qualifies: Oklahoma is in VA Community Care Network Region 3; Optum administers Regions 1-3. Community Care requires VA referral/authorization except applicable emergency rules. Work through the VA care team/community care office before scheduling non-emergency services.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Community Care Network - Oklahoma Region 3.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Provider relationship rules depend on the specific authorized benefit
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs - Claims & Benefits
IndirectHelps pay for: Free Veteran Service Officer help with VA claims, pension, Aid & Attendance and state Veteran benefits.
Who qualifies: Veteran/dependent eligibility depends on the specific federal or state benefit. Make an appointment with an ODVA Veteran Service Officer.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs - Claims & Benefits.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No caregiver wage
Oklahoma 100% Disabled Veteran Tax Relief
IndirectHelps pay for: Qualifying 100% permanently service-connected disabled Veterans may receive Oklahoma sales-tax and homestead real-property tax exemptions, preserving funds for care.
Who qualifies: Requires VA certification at the 100% permanent service-connected rate and Oklahoma-specific application/documentation; surviving-spouse rules differ. Review OTC/ODVA requirements and file applicable forms with OTC/county assessor.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Oklahoma 100% Disabled Veteran Tax Relief.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Where Oklahoma Families Can Start
Not sure where to begin? Match your situation to a contact below.
Find the local Area Agency on Aging, caregiver support, Older Americans Act services and general aging/disability navigation.
Oklahoma Human Services - Aging and Disability Info-line
Start ADvantage, State Plan Personal Care or Medically Fragile screening and ask about waiver status/process.
Medicaid Services Unit / CareLine
General Medicaid eligibility/benefit questions, member support and program navigation.
SoonerCare Member Services
Ask about ADvantage service planning, self-directed personal assistance and family-caregiver/provider relationship rules.
ADvantage / CDPASS
Screen for the Medically Fragile waiver and ask about personal care, nursing, respite and self-direction.
Medically Fragile Waiver
Apply for Developmental Disabilities Services and begin waiver/service eligibility review.
DDS Intake
Set up or manage DDS self-direction/fiscal employer services after waiver authorization.
DDS Self-Directed Services / Acumen
Plan an institutional-to-community transition and ask about transition services/funds.
Living Choice
Check PACE eligibility, service areas and participating Oklahoma PACE organizations.
OHCA PACE Unit
Free Medicare counseling, Medicare Savings Program and Part D/Extra Help navigation.
Oklahoma Insurance Department - Medicare Assistance Program / SHIP
Schedule non-emergency transportation to covered SoonerCare appointments.
SoonerRide
Start VA caregiver/home-care questions and get accredited help with pension, Aid & Attendance and claims.
VA / Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
Before You Rely on Any Payment Source
Planning Point
Why It Matters
Start with CareLine when ADvantage, SPPC or Medically Fragile may fit
Oklahoma Human Services uses the Medicaid Services Unit/CareLine at 800-435-4711 as a practical entry point for these long-term-care programs. Ask for the specific program screening because eligibility and family-provider rules differ.
Verify the current ADvantage disability-age entry rule before publishing it
Current official Oklahoma pages are not perfectly aligned on the lower age for the disabled-adult ADvantage target group. The Oklahoma Human Services program page currently describes ages 21-64; another OHCA page has used age 19 language. Verify with the Medicaid Services Unit for the applicant's current category.
ADvantage spouse/legal-guardian payment is an exception, not the default
The eligible-provider rule permits reimbursement only when criteria such as lack of an available provider, inability of available providers to meet complex needs, or detriment from another provider are documented. Covered care must exceed ordinary family duties and is generally limited to 40 service hours per 7 days.
Medically Fragile has a separate spouse/legal-guardian exception
A spouse or legal guardian of an adult Medically Fragile member can be paid only under the waiver's specific exception criteria. The service must be necessary, above ordinary family duties and generally no more than 40 hours in a 7-day period.
CDPASS gives employer control but still has compliance rules
Eligible ADvantage and Medically Fragile members can self-direct personal assistance, including recruiting/hiring workers and managing an employer budget. Worker qualifications, fiscal-management rules, service authorization and the rule barring an authorized representative from also serving as the PSA/APSA still matter.
SoonerCare Paid Family Caregiver is a distinct child-specific benefit
The PFC benefit became available March 1, 2026 for qualifying children ages 0-20 who are already approved for Private Duty Nursing. It can authorize up to 40 hours/week of trained family-provided care, concurrent with rather than added on top of authorized PDN hours.
DDS legally responsible caregiver payment is limited to Non-Residential HTS
Since Feb. 3, 2025, certain parents/guardians of minors, spouses of adults and other LRIs can be paid for Non-Residential HTS only when the member is on a DDS waiver, extraordinary-care requirements are met and provider rules are satisfied. Same-household HTS is generally capped at 40 hours/week, and a self-directed employer of record cannot also be the paid HTS.
Waiver capacity and waiting status can affect timing
ADvantage requires an available waiver slot, and the Medically Fragile program can use a waiting-list/slot process. DDS waiver enrollment also depends on program eligibility and capacity/priority rules. Do not treat clinical eligibility as an immediate service start date.
Living Choice is a transition pathway, not a general community application
Living Choice targets qualifying SoonerCare members leaving institutional settings and generally requires at least 60 institutional days. Screen before discharge so transition coordination, community services and one-time transition funds can be planned.
PACE is service-area limited
Oklahoma PACE requires age 55+, nursing-home level of care, residence in a participating service area and the ability to live safely in the community. As of August 2026, OHCA lists PACE organizations serving the Tahlequah, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Shawnee areas; verify exact ZIP/service boundaries before relying on availability.
The Caring for Caregivers tax credit changes on November 1, 2026
Before the expansion, current rules generally require an eligible care recipient age 62+ with help needed in at least two ADLs and apply $2,000/$3,000 caps plus income limits. HB 4118 removes the minimum age, raises the income cap, adds medical-appointment mileage and makes up to $3,000 available to all filers, effective Nov. 1, 2026, with additional provisions claimable on 2026 returns.
Use Veteran benefits as a separate funding layer
Oklahoma is in VA Community Care Network Region 3, administered by Optum. VA home care, Veteran-Directed Care, PCAFC, Aid & Attendance, ODVA claims help and Oklahoma disabled-Veteran tax relief each have separate eligibility/authorization systems and may layer with state/federal benefits subject to payer rules.
Program rules, income limits, and availability change over time and can vary by county. Confirm current details with the program directly, or ask a home care provider in Oklahoma to help you navigate the application process.
← Back to How to Pay for In-Home CareHome Care Providers in Oklahoma
These providers serve families in Oklahoma and can help you apply what you've learned above to your specific situation.
