Rochester Senior AdvisorWhat is the difference between a CHHA and a LHCSA?
A certified home health agency (CHHA) provides Medicare- and Medicaid-certified skilled home health under a doctor's plan, while a licensed home care services agency (LHCSA) provides aides and nursing paid privately or through Medicaid plans.
Both are licensed by the Department of Health.
How much does a home health aide cost per hour in New York?
CareScout's 2025 New York median for a non-medical caregiver is $35 an hour.
Agencies often require minimum shifts.
Can Medicaid pay a family member to provide care?
Yes, through CDPAP, a Medicaid recipient can hire a family member other than a spouse, paid through the statewide fiscal intermediary PPL.
Hours are authorized by the person's Medicaid plan.
What is the New York Independent Assessor?
It is the state program that conducts the assessments required before Medicaid personal care, CDPAP or Managed Long Term Care enrollment; initial assessments are scheduled at 855-222-8350.
The plan then decides the hours.
What is EISEP?
The Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program helps people 60 and older who need help at home and are not on Medicaid; in Monroe County it runs through Catholic Charities Family and Community Services, (585) 262-7060.
A cost share applies above certain incomes.
Does Medicare pay for a home health aide?
Only as part of skilled home health for a homebound patient under a doctor's plan; Medicare does not pay for ongoing hourly or live-in aides.
Medicaid and private pay cover most long-term aide hours.
How do I check a home care agency's license?
The Department of Health's facility roster on health.data.ny.gov lists every licensed and certified home care agency with its license type and address; our home care roster reproduces it for the five counties.
Home care complaints go to 1-800-628-5972.
Can home care be provided in assisted living?
Yes; licensed home care agencies often provide nursing and aide services inside adult homes and assisted living residences, and Medicare home health can visit a resident after an illness.
Ask the residence which agencies it works with.
What if a home care aide does not show up?
Call the agency immediately; licensed agencies must have a plan for covering missed visits, and repeated problems can be reported to the Department of Health's home care hotline, 1-800-628-5972.
Ask about the agency's backup plan before services start.
At a glance
| Licensed agencies | Unlicensed help | |
|---|---|---|
| Oversight | NYSDOH license and complaint line | No state oversight |
| Payment | Medicare, Medicaid plans, private pay | Private pay only |
