Everything you need to know about getting paid to care for a loved one in Oregon
You do need Medicaid to qualify for this program. Medicare alone will not make you eligible because In Home Care Services in Oregon are funded through the state’s Medicaid system. If you do not currently have Medicaid but think you may qualify, you can call the Oregon Health Department at 1-800-699-9075 or contact your local Department of Social Services. FreedomCare can also help you understand the process.
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you are eligible to apply. Medicaid is required in Oregon for in home care services, and having Medicare in addition does not prevent you from joining the program. As long as you meet Medicaid’s care requirements, FreedomCare can help you move forward.
If you only have Medicare, you cannot qualify for this program. Oregon’s In Home Care Services are funded by Medicaid, and Medicare on its own does not provide these benefits. If you think you may be eligible for Medicaid, contact the Oregon Health Department’s Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1 800 699 9075 or your local county office.
The qualifications to be considered a person in need of care depend on whether you need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, or household tasks. Oregon requires a care assessment through the Department of Human Services to determine your level of need and how many hours you qualify for. If you are unsure where to start, we can guide you through the assessment process.
There are no restrictions on the types of illnesses that qualify for this program. As long as the person has Medicaid and needs help with daily living activities, they may be eligible for in home care. Whether the condition is physical, developmental, or age related, FreedomCare helps families understand the requirements and next steps.
A person with disability benefits or SSI can qualify as long as they have Medicaid or are eligible to receive it. Medicaid is the key requirement. FreedomCare can help the patient and caregiver understand the steps needed to enroll and start services.
A relative cannot get paid to care for you through FreedomCare if the state is already paying another caregiver or agency. Medicaid will not pay two providers at the same time. Your approved hours can be used by your home attendant or by FreedomCare, but not both. If you want to switch, you can choose to stop services with the other provider and enroll with us.
You cannot join this program if you are currently receiving hospice care. Oregon does not allow in home care services to overlap with hospice benefits. If your hospice services end in the future, we can help you explore eligibility at that time.
A caregiver can be a spouse, adult child, grandchild, relative, friend, or an existing home attendant. Caregivers must be over 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States. Oregon allows caregivers to live in the same home as the patient, and many families find this to be the easiest setup.
A caregiver and the person they care for can live in the same home. In Oregon, this is a common and acceptable arrangement, and many families prefer it for convenience and comfort. As long as the patient qualifies for in home care services, co living is allowed.
You do not need to pay for this program. Oregon’s Medicaid program funds all approved in home care services. The patient is never billed for hours that Medicaid approves.
FreedomCare would replace your current care services if you choose to enroll. Medicaid requires you to select one provider for in home care hours. Once you switch, the hours assigned to you will be delivered through FreedomCare.
The patient enrollment process includes several steps. You will:
Step 1: Confirm your Medicaid eligibility.
Step 2: Contact your local AAA office to apply for long term care in home care waiver.
Step 3: Complete a needs assessment through the Department of Human Services.
Step 4: Receive an authorization that outlines the number of approved care hours.
Step 5: Have your chosen caregiver complete their enrollment.
Step 6: Wait for FreedomCare to receive authorization so your services can begin.
Once these steps are complete, FreedomCare will schedule your Welcome Call and confirm your start date.
If you already receive IHCA services from another agency, you can switch by contacting that agency and requesting to transfer to FreedomCare. After you notify them, you can begin the intake process with us.
You can change your caregiver or have multiple caregivers as long as each caregiver completes the FreedomCare enrollment process. Having more than one caregiver does not increase your approved hours, but it gives you flexibility. To make a change, call FreedomCare and we will help you get started.
A Designated Representative works with FreedomCare by helping manage your caregiver’s schedule, completing required paperwork, and communicating with our team on your behalf. They also coordinate with your insurance case manager to make sure your care plan stays accurate. A Designated Representative cannot be paid as a caregiver but plays an important support role.
Someone with a part time job can be a caregiver if they can commit to the approved hours of care. Many caregivers balance work and caregiving, and we help you understand the expectations so both responsibilities can be managed safely.
Someone cannot work for FreedomCare in Oregon without an established patient caregiver relationship. Oregon requires an approved patient first before caregiver enrollment can begin.
Caregivers do not need certification or prior training before applying. Oregon requires 16 hours of training, including orientation, initial caregiver training, and medication management, and FreedomCare helps you complete these requirements.
A misdemeanor does not automatically disqualify you as a caregiver. Oregon reviews each background check individually. FreedomCare focuses on your ability to provide safe, compassionate care and helps you understand what documentation is required.
The caregiver enrollment process includes several required steps. You will:
Step 1: Register in MySteps, FreedomCare’s caregiver portal.
Step 2: Upload your work authorization and I 9 documents.
Step 3: Complete Oregon’s state required background check. This is #1
Step 4: Finish 16 hours of caregiver training, including orientation, initial training, and medication management.
Step 5: Schedule your Welcome Call with the patient.
Once all steps are complete and FreedomCare receives authorization from the state, you can begin working.
Payment is determined by Oregon’s standardized caregiver rate, which is currently set at 20 dollars per hour for all approved caregivers working through FreedomCare. This rate is established at the state level, so every caregiver receives the same hourly pay regardless of where they live or which Medicaid waiver the patient uses. Once you begin working, your pay reflects the number of authorized hours you provide, and FreedomCare ensures you are compensated accurately and on time.
Working hours are determined by two main factors:
FreedomCare then helps coordinate a schedule that fits both the patient’s needs and the caregiver’s availability while staying within the limits of the state approved plan. This approach keeps care safe, appropriate, and fully compliant with Oregon Medicaid rules.
There is no minimum number of hours required for caregivers in Oregon. Your schedule is based entirely on the hours the patient has been approved for and how many of those hours they want you to work. Some caregivers work only a few hours each week, while others work close to full time. FreedomCare supports caregivers at every level of availability, making it easier to balance other responsibilities like family or part time employment.
The payment schedule depends on the payment method you select during onboarding. You can choose to receive your pay through direct deposit, which is the fastest and most reliable option, or you can receive a physical check by mail. FreedomCare processes payments on a consistent schedule, and caregivers can review their pay stubs through the FreedomCare Plus app. If you ever notice missing hours or incorrect pay, our Care Support team is ready to help resolve it quickly.
FreedomCare provides overtime pay for caregivers who work more than 40 hours in a single week, as long as the patient is authorized for that level of care. Overtime pay is calculated according to Oregon labor laws and reflects the higher rate required for hours worked beyond 40. Not all patients qualify for this level of care, so overtime is only allowed when approved through the state. If you’re unsure whether overtime applies to your situation, we can review it with you.
Additional caregiver requirements include:
These requirements help ensure caregivers can work safely, accurately, and in compliance with state rules.
You can care for more than one patient, but you must track hours separately and cannot clock in for two patients at once. Each patient has their own approved care plan and number of authorized hours. Your total weekly hours must reflect the individual time you spend with each patient, and schedules cannot overlap. Many caregivers work with more than one patient to increase their total hours, and FreedomCare can help you coordinate your availability if needed.
You can care for more than one patient, but you must track hours separately and cannot clock in for two patients at once. Each patient has their own approved care plan and number of authorized hours. Your total weekly hours must reflect the individual time you spend with each patient, and schedules cannot overlap. Many caregivers work with more than one patient to increase their total hours, and FreedomCare can help you coordinate your availability if needed.
Caregivers in Oregon may qualify for a range of benefits based on their hours and state requirements. These benefits may include:
FreedomCare’s benefits team will walk you through eligibility and help you enroll in any programs you qualify for.
FreedomCare may reimburse mileage only when the patient’s state approved care plan includes transportation for errands, grocery shopping, or essential appointments. In those cases, mileage reimbursement is tied to the tasks performed for the patient, not the commute to and from the patient’s home. Travel to the patient’s residence is not covered. If transportation is included in the care plan, FreedomCare will explain how to document mileage correctly so you receive reimbursement where allowed.
Caregiver hours are flexible, allowing you and the patient to create a schedule that works for both of you. As long as you stay within the approved hours assigned by the state, you can arrange care around your availability, the patient’s preferences, and weekly routines. Many caregivers appreciate the ability to adjust hours for school pickups, appointments, or part time jobs. FreedomCare supports you in building a schedule that feels manageable and consistent.
If there is an issue with your payment, contact the Care Support team right away so they can investigate the problem. They will review your time entries, check authorization status, confirm your payment method, and troubleshoot any technical issues with the app or payroll system. Most concerns can be resolved quickly once the team identifies the cause. Reaching out as soon as you notice a discrepancy helps ensure your pay is corrected without delays.
If you need a day off or are sick and unable to work, a backup caregiver can step in as long as they are already enrolled and approved. FreedomCare encourages every patient to have at least two caregivers on file so care is never interrupted when something unexpected happens. You also earn up to 56 hours of paid sick time each year, which gives you additional support when you are ill or dealing with emergencies. If you need help planning for time off, we can walk you through your options.
Caregivers can receive health insurance when they work at least 130 hours per month. After your start of care date, our Benefits team will reach out within seven days to explain your coverage options and help you enroll if you qualify. Health plans are provided through MagnaCare and offer dependable coverage while you care for your loved one. Sick time also begins accruing after your first 90 days, giving you additional protection when you need to take time off for your own health.
FreedomCare offers a 401k retirement plan to help caregivers save for the future. You can begin contributing to the plan 90 days after your start date, and our team provides the information you need to understand your options and get set up. This benefit allows caregivers to build long term financial stability while working in a role that supports their loved ones. If you have questions about enrollment or contributions, we can connect you with the team that handles retirement benefits.
You can find Oregon labor law posters by downloading them through our Resources page. If you need help locating the correct poster, our team can assist you.
You can download the app on your phone by going to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and searching for FreedomCare Plus. After downloading, open the app, allow permissions, and log in using the caregiver code and password provided during your Welcome Call. If you need help logging in, contact the Care Support team.
You can access your pay stubs by opening the FreedomCare Plus app and tapping the My Payroll button. You will see your payment history and pay stub details in one place.
If your paycheck did not deposit as expected, contact the Care Support team so they can review your payment method, time entries, and payroll status to resolve the issue.
If the app is not functioning properly, there is no alternative clocking method. The FreedomCare Plus app is required for clocking in and out. You can confirm visits retroactively for up to ten weeks. If the issue continues, contact the Care Support team for help.
You can get information about your insurance benefits by calling our plan administrator at 718-989-4037. They can explain your coverage, eligibility, and any required steps.
If there is a change in the care routine such as your patient being hospitalized, notify FreedomCare as soon as possible. Do not clock in until you speak with our team. Once the patient is discharged, we help you confirm when it is appropriate to resume services.
FreedomCare is available in Oregon and in many other states across the country. In Oregon, we operate as a licensed In Home Care Agency that helps people receive care safely in their homes. If you live in Oregon and want to know whether you or a loved one qualify, we guide you through Medicaid rules, assessments, and every step of enrollment.
Families can enroll in FreedomCare in the following states:
We continue to expand so more families can choose their caregiver 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 eligibility. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we can help you understand the requirements and your next steps.
This program is funded by Oregon’s Medicaid program, which is called the Oregon Health Plan or (OHP). Medicaid pays for approved In Home Care Services for eligible long term care residents so they can receive support in their homes instead of an assisted living facility or nursing home. If you have Medicaid or think you may qualify, FreedomCare helps you understand eligibility and start the enrollment process.
The difference between Medicaid and Medicare in Oregon comes down to age, income, and health status. Medicaid is a state and federal program for individuals and families with low income who need health coverage. Medicare is a federal program for people age 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, no matter their income. Many Oregon residents have both, and we can help you understand how Medicaid can support in home care services.
This program works by allowing eligible Medicaid recipients in Oregon to receive In Home Care Services through a licensed In Home Care Agency. FreedomCare of Oregon, LLC provides care that helps elderly and disabled adults remain safely in their homes while receiving support with daily activities. Once the state approves your hours and your caregiver enrolls, FreedomCare begins providing your services.
Enroll now to have a family member or a trusted friend care for you in your home.
