Ohio’s Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) Program: A Guide to Paid Family Caregiving

Specific Rules for Spousal Caregivers in SFC

A key differentiator of the SFC program is that spouses can be paid caregivers under specific, strict conditions. These conditions include:

• There must be no other willing and able provider or direct care worker available to provide the services.
• The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), or Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) (or their designee) must determine that the health and safety needs of the individual can be ensured.
• When eligible, spouses must be employed through an agency provider or provide eligible participant-directed services through a Financial Management Service (FMS).
• They must provide “extraordinary care” as determined through the Ohio Extraordinary Care Instrument (ODM 10372) and cannot provide services solely for respite purposes.
• Spouses may receive a maximum of 40 hours per week of paid care, though exceptions may be granted. This conditional eligibility for spouses provides a crucial pathway for families where a spouse is the primary caregiver, offering flexibility not found in all other programs.

Application Process & Compensation Structure

The process to participate in Ohio’s SFC program generally involves several steps:

1. Initial Assessment: Care recipients undergo evaluation to determine eligibility and care needs.
2. Waiver Enrollment: Eligible individuals must enroll in a qualifying Medicaid waiver program.
3. Provider Selection: Care recipients choose an approved agency provider, such as Momba Home Care.
4. Care Plan Development: A personalized care plan outlines required services and support.
5. Caregiver Approval: Potential family caregivers complete necessary screening and training.
6. Service Initiation: Once approved, structured caregiving begins with ongoing support and in-person check-ins.

Caregivers receive a stipend for their services. Momba Home Care, for instance, offers up to $1,800 per month, which translates to approximately $420 per week. The exact compensation can vary based on the care recipient’s assessed level of need, the specific waiver program they are enrolled in, the hours of care provided, and regional payment rates. SFC stipends may qualify as tax-exempt under IRS Notice 2014-7 when the caregiver lives in the same home as the care recipient. This should not be considered tax advice, and a qualified tax professional should be consulted to understand how these rules apply to your specific situation.

How Home Care Agencies Support Paid Caregivers in Ohio

Home care agencies, like Momba Home Care, play a pivotal role in facilitating paid family caregiving in Ohio. They act as the official employer for family caregivers, handling all the administrative complexities such as payroll, tax withholding, and compliance with state and federal regulations. This structure significantly simplifies the process for families, allowing them to concentrate fully on providing care without the burden of managing employment logistics.

Beyond administrative support, these agencies often provide valuable additional benefits and resources to family caregivers. This can include professional coaching from certified nursing professionals, ongoing training components (covering basic caregiving techniques, safety procedures, and specific care skills), and emotional support to help prevent caregiver burnout. These comprehensive support systems enhance the caregiver’s skills and well-being, contributing to higher quality care and a more sustainable caregiving arrangement.

Ohio Family Caregiver Pay Rates for SFC

The compensation for family caregivers in Ohio varies depending on the specific program, the agency involved, and the level of care provided. Momba Home Care, prides itself in being one of the highest paying agencies in the state and SFC offers up to $1,800 per month for full-time care.