State Funded Programs

Over 400+ programs provide financial assistance for elder care across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Support is derived from federal, state, and local governments, the VA, non-profits, private organizations, and up to 50 other agencies. Our home care services now extend to all three states, helping families navigate these complex systems to find the support they need.

The vast array of programs, each with their own set of eligibility criteria, can make it challenging to determine what assistance is available. By understanding these programs, you can discover options for which you or your loved one might be eligible now or in the future as circumstances change.

Connecticut Programs

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)

Administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, this Medicaid waiver program helps frail individuals aged 65 and older avoid institutionalization by providing medical and non-medical support services.

2025 Updates: The CHCPE waiver was renewed through September 2025, with new evidence-based services added including CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place-Advancing Better Living for Elders) and COPE (Care of Older People in their Environment).

Eligibility: Must be 65+, Connecticut resident, at risk of nursing home placement, and meet financial criteria. Asset limit for single applicant is $47,376; for couples, $63,168.

Services Include:

• Care management services

• Adult day health services

• Companion services

• Home delivered meals

• Homemaker services

• Personal care attendant services

• Assisted living services

• Bill payer services

• Care transitions support

• Assistive technology

Connecticut Respite Care Program

Offers caregivers relief from the ongoing physical and emotional strain of caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.

HUSKY Health (Connecticut Medicaid)

Connecticut's Medicaid program supports over 800,000 residents. For long-term care applications, contact a Title 19 expert for guidance.

2025 Cost Changes: Recent budget proposals increased cost-sharing from 3% to 5%, with a cap of $175 per month. Average out-of-pocket costs increased from $46 to $114 monthly.

Rhode Island Programs

Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) Programs

Rhode Island's designated state unit on aging serves as the chief advocate for older Rhode Islanders, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.

Key Contact: The POINT/ADRC at (401) 462-4444 provides information and referral services.

@Home Cost Share Program (Formerly DEA Co-Pay)

Provides reduced-cost supportive care services in the home and adult day care for individuals who don't qualify for Medicaid.

Eligibility:

• Age 65+ or 16-64 with Alzheimer's/related dementia

• Rhode Island residents

• Income below 250% of Federal Poverty Level ($37,650/year for singles in 2024)

• Need assistance with daily living activities

Cost Structure: Participants pay $4.50-$7.50 per hour for CNA services or $7.00-$15.00 per day for adult day services.

Home & Community Care Programs

• Co-Pay Program: Home and community-based services at reduced rates for eligible individuals

• Respite Program: Planned or emergency care for family caregivers through CareBreaks

• Senior Companion Program: Trained volunteers serve isolated older adults

South Carolina Programs

South Carolina Community Choices Waiver

Provides Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for seniors requiring nursing home-level care but who prefer to remain in their homes or community settings.

2025 Income Limits: $2,901/month for single applicants; $5,802/month when both spouses apply.

Services Include:

• Adult day health care

• Personal care assistance

• Companion care

• Home delivered meals (up to 14/week)

• Home modifications

• Personal emergency response systems

• Respite care

• Specialized medical equipment

Waitlist Status: Approximately 29,383 enrollment slots available. Not an entitlement program - waitlist may apply.

Healthy Connections Prime

South Carolina's managed care program for seniors (65+) who are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

Available Statewide: As of January 2022, at least one plan operates in all 46 SC counties.

Benefits:

• Combined Medicare and Medicaid benefits under single plan

• Home and community-based services

• Self-directed personal care (can hire family members except spouses)

• Supplemental benefits: vision/hearing exams, gym memberships

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Comprehensive care for dual-eligible seniors 55+ who require nursing facility level of care but live in the community.

SC PACE Locations:

• North Charleston (BoldAge PACE)

• Orangeburg (Orangeburg Senior Helping Center)

• Columbia (Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE – Midlands)

• Greenville (Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE – Upstate)

Aiken County Specific Resources

Lower Savannah Area Agency on Aging

Serves Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg Counties.

Location: 2748 Wagener Road, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 508-7033 or toll-free 1-866-845-1550

Programs:

• Family Caregiver Support Program: Education, respite care, grants to prevent burnout

• Wheelchair Ramp Reimbursement: Up to $500 for materials and labor

• Others Raising Children Program: $500 annually for each child raised by adults 55+

• SHIAP Insurance Counseling: Free Medicare guidance and enrollment assistance

Aiken Senior Life Services

Private nonprofit established in 1971 serving Aiken County seniors.

Address: 1310 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: (803) 648-5447
Services: Meals, transportation, social interaction, wellness programs

Veterans Affairs (VA) Programs (All States)

Veterans Transportation Service (VTS)

Free transportation to VA health care facilities for enrolled veterans. Priority for veterans with disabilities, rural residents, and those lacking transportation.

VA Beneficiary Travel Program

Reimburses eligible veterans for travel costs to VA medical appointments. Veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability rating qualify.

DAV Transportation

• Connecticut: Free van rides through West Haven VA Medical Center (ext. 3575) or Newington VA Clinic (860-666-6951 ext. 6397)

• South Carolina: DAV provides free nationwide transportation to VA facilities

Additional Resources

Benefits Screening Tools:

• 211: Dial 2-1-1 for 24/7 access to local services nationwide

• Benefits.gov: Official U.S. government benefit screening website

• GetCareSC: South Carolina Department on Aging resource finder (getcaresc.com)

Legal Assistance:

• Connecticut: CTLawHelp for comprehensive legal assistance related to elder care

• Rhode Island: Contact Customer Information Referral and Assistance unit at Division of Elderly Affairs

• South Carolina: SC Legal Services Corporation provides Title III B Elderly Legal Services for income protection, healthcare, housing issues, and protective services. Call 1-888-346-5592