Everything you need to know about getting paid to care for a loved one in New York
Yes, you are eligible. As long as you have active Medicaid, you can enroll in FreedomCare’s home care program regardless of whether you also have Medicare. Having both is actually common among FreedomCare patients in New York. Medicare covers hospital and medical care, while Medicaid covers the kind of daily personal care FreedomCare provides.
No, Medicare alone does not qualify you for FreedomCare’s services. Medicare covers acute medical care like hospital stays and short-term rehabilitation, but not ongoing personal care at home. To access this program, you need Medicaid. If you think you might qualify for Medicaid based on income or disability status, contact the New York Medicaid office or reach out to FreedomCare for guidance.
Yes, Medicaid is required to qualify for FreedomCare’s home care services in New York. Medicare alone is not sufficient. If you don’t currently have Medicaid but think you or a loved one may be eligible, applying for coverage is the first step — FreedomCare can help you understand what to do next.
Yes, you can switch to FreedomCare from another agency. The first step is to contact FreedomCare directly, and our team will guide you through the transfer process. Typically this involves notifying your current agency and having your MLTC plan redirect your authorization to FreedomCare. The process is straightforward and FreedomCare handles this kind of transition regularly.
Yes, as long as you have or are eligible for Medicaid, you can qualify for FreedomCare’s services regardless of whether you also receive disability benefits or SSI. In New York, many individuals who receive SSI are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. If you’re unsure whether your current benefits include Medicaid, contact FreedomCare or the New York Medicaid office to confirm.
In most cases, no. Your MLTC plan will require you to work with a single agency for all of your home care, so FreedomCare and a current home attendant would not both be providing care simultaneously. FreedomCare also does not add hours on top of your existing authorization; your approved weekly hours stay the same. If having a family member paid to care for you is your goal, ask FreedomCare whether New York’s CDPAP program may be a better option.
Yes to both. To request a home aide change or add a second home aide, simply contact FreedomCare and we’ll begin the process. Any new home aide must complete FreedomCare’s enrollment process before starting work. Keep in mind that having multiple home aides does not change the total number of care hours you’ve been approved for.
Yes, you can still enroll in FreedomCare’s home care program while receiving hospice care. The two services can operate alongside each other, and having a personal care aide during this time can provide meaningful daily support. Contact FreedomCare to discuss how services can be coordinated with your existing care team.
No, there is no cost to participants. FreedomCare’s home care services are fully funded through Medicaid, so as long as you have Medicaid and meet the eligibility requirements, your care is covered at no out-of-pocket expense to you or your family. There are no enrollment fees or out-of-pocket charges for the participant or the home aide. If you’re unsure whether Medicaid is active or you need help applying, FreedomCare can guide you through that process.
Your Designated Representative will work directly with FreedomCare on your behalf, handling paperwork and serving as your primary point of contact for scheduling, care plan updates, and any changes in your situation. FreedomCare will include them in all relevant communications from the start of enrollment. Let FreedomCare know early in the process that you have a representative so they can be set up right away.
Yes, you must be certified as a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Personal Care Aide (PCA) to work as a paid caregiver through FreedomCare in New York. While people often use the word caregiver casually, a home aide is a certified role with formal training and a broader scope of care. If you’re not yet certified but have relevant caregiving experience, FreedomCare may offer free certification — call to find out if you qualify. The certification process is manageable and FreedomCare supports you through it.
Your working hours are based on two things:
If a patient’s condition changes, their hours can be reassessed and adjusted. All schedules comply with New York labor regulations.
No, there is no minimum number of hours required. Your schedule is built around the patient’s approved care plan and your mutual availability. Whether you’re looking for a few hours a week or a fuller schedule, FreedomCare works with home aides to find arrangements that fit.
As a Personal Care Aide, you’ll help patients with daily activities they can no longer safely manage on their own. Primary responsibilities include:
Secondary tasks may include:
Your specific duties will follow the patient’s authorized care plan.
Yes, you can care for more than one FreedomCare patient, but you cannot be on the clock for both at the same time. Each patient’s hours must be worked and logged separately. For example, if one patient is approved for 23 hours and another for 20, you can work up to 43 total hours, but any hours beyond 40 in a week require prior approval and are paid at the overtime rate.
Not necessarily. A misdemeanor does not automatically disqualify you, but all applicants are required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the New York State Department of Health. FreedomCare must follow the Department of Health’s determination on eligibility. If you have questions about a specific record, contact FreedomCare directly to discuss your situation.
There are a few additional requirements beyond certification. Additional requirements include:
These requirements help ensure home aides can work safely, accurately, and in compliance with New York State rules.
FreedomCare offers several payment options: direct deposit, a mailed check, or a no-cost pay card. Your exact payment schedule depends on which method you choose, and FreedomCare will walk you through the options during onboarding. Most home aides find direct deposit the most convenient.
Yes, FreedomCare pays overtime when prior approval is obtained for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. The home aides overtime rate in New York is $31.65 per hour. In general, home aides are scheduled within the 40-hour limit, and any additional hours require advance approval from FreedomCare.
FreedomCare offers benefits to eligible home aides in New York. Depending on your employment status and hours, these can include health insurance, paid sick time, direct deposit, and overtime pay. FreedomCare is committed to supporting the people who provide care every day.
FreedomCare is available in New York and in several other states across the country. Families can use FreedomCare in:
FreedomCare continues to grow so more families can choose someone they trust and receive care at home. If your state is listed, you may be able to get paid to care for a family member, depending on Medicaid eligibility and program rules. If you are not sure whether you qualify, we are here to walk you through the requirements and help you understand your next steps.
You may qualify for care in New York if the following apply:
To confirm eligibility, you must complete a formal assessment through the New York Independent Assessor program. A trained assessor reviews your medical needs and daily routine to determine whether hands-on assistance is required.
If the assessment confirms you need daily support, you may be approved to receive a certified home aide through FreedomCare. If you are unsure whether you qualify, we can help you understand what the process looks like before you begin.
Yes, Medicaid is required to enroll with FreedomCare in New York. Medicare alone is not enough — it covers hospital stays and short-term medical care, but not ongoing personal care at home. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, your Medicaid coverage is what qualifies you for this program. If you don’t have Medicaid yet, you can apply through the New York Medicaid office at (800) 541-2831, and FreedomCare can help point you in the right direction.
Yes. Even though FreedomCare no longer works with CDPAP in New York, you can still have a family member or friend become your paid home aide through our LHCSA model.
The key difference is that caregivers must be certified as a Home Health Aide or Personal Care Aide and be employed by FreedomCare. If your loved one is not already certified, that is completely okay. We provide the required training and certification at no cost. We guide them through every step so they can become qualified and start working as your home aide.
This model offers more structure and support. Your home aide is officially employed, trained to meet state requirements, and backed by our team. That means you both have ongoing guidance, payroll support, and compliance handled properly.
If you do not have someone in mind, we can also match you with a certified home aide who fits your needs and preferences, including language, personality, and experience level.
As a patient, enrolling with FreedomCare in New York follows a clear step by step process:
Step 1: Confirm your Medicaid eligibility. If you do not have Medicaid yet, FreedomCare can help you understand how to apply.
Step 2: Enroll in a Managed Long Term Care plan. Once enrolled, your MLTC plan will schedule an assessment to determine your approved care hours.
Step 3: Receive authorization. After your hours are approved, your plan sends authorization to FreedomCare so services can begin.
Step 4: Complete a nursing visit and home aide assignment. A nurse visit is scheduled, and your chosen home aide is assigned based on your approved plan of care.
If you need assistance enrolling as a patient with FreedomCare in New York, call us at (347) 929-9146.
To become a paid caregiver, you must be certified as a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Personal Care Aide (PCA), and if you’re not yet certified, FreedomCare offers free certification to individuals with relevant caregiving experience.
You’ll also need to complete the following:
FreedomCare walks you through each requirement and supports you from application through your first day of work.
FreedomCare pays New York home aides $21.10 per hour, with an overtime rate of $31.65 per hour for approved hours beyond 40 in a week. This is a competitive rate across New York State. Eligible caregivers may also receive health insurance, paid sick time, and direct deposit.
In New York, the main difference comes down to training and responsibilities.
Under FreedomCare’s LHCSA model, anyone providing care must be certified as a Home Health Aide or Personal Care Aide. We provide the required training and certification at no cost, so a family member or friend can still become your paid caregiver if they complete the program.
Certified home aides are trained to assist with daily living tasks and certain medical related duties, such as medication support. In contrast, CDPAP caregivers were not required to be certified and typically focused only on non medical daily living assistance.
With LHCSA, you still have the option to choose someone you trust, but they receive proper training and added support to provide a higher level of care. If you do not have someone in mind, we can also match you with a certified home aide.
Enroll now to have a family member or a trusted friend care for you in your home.
