The Client Directed Home Care Program was introduced in January 2023 and provides funding for Alberta seniors to receive consist and affordable care
The Client Directed Home Care Invoicing option is offered by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to support clients with personal care, respite and homemaking services.
Ohana Care is a approved agency for the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program for both Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta areas.
What are the Client Directed Home Care Benefits?
Direct Billing
We direct bill Alberta Blue Cross and the vast majority of your care is covered by the program
Say goodbye to administration headaches
If you previously were using Self Managed Care, you were required to hire private caregivers and manage all the administration that involves. By choosing Ohana Care, we take care of finding you the right caregiving team with oversight from our Registered Nurse.
Choose the best provider for your family
You’re free to choose any approved Alberta Blue Cross provider, this mean no longer being required to choose a provider based on the area you live in.
Frequently Asked Questions about CHDCI:
How is the Client Directed Home Care Program different than Self Managed Care?
| Self Managed Care | Client Directed Home Care Program |
|---|---|
| Client or legal representative hires and individual or agency | Staff is employed by the Agency |
| AHS does not mandate Agency or individual insurance or criminal reference checks | CDHCI Agencies must meet insurance and criminal background checks |
| Client/Legal representative only to manage | A person without legal authority can manage the agreement |
| Hourly rate of $24.65 | Hourly rate of $32.92 (As of September 1, 2023) |
| Agreement with holder must submit receipts to AHS | Agency submits claims to Alberta Blue Cross directly |
What is the Client Directed Home Care Program?
The Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) allows new or current AHS Community Home Care clients to choose an eligible home care provider agency to deliver services up to a maximum number of pre-approved hours per month assessed and authorized by AHS. By using CDHCI, clients can have more control over scheduling and directing their care while minimizing the administrative and financial burdens. This program is especially beneficial for clients with short-term intensive needs, cultural considerations, or those living in areas where it is difficult for AHS to arrange services.
How do I become eligible for the Client Directed Home Care Program?
To be eligible for CDHCI, you must:
- Be eligible for home care services as determined by an AHS assessment
- Have a home care assessment that determines CDHCI as a suitable mode of service delivery
- Ensure that CDHCI does not create a conflict of interest with any other AHS policy or Service Agreement
- Require a predictable level of service
- Be able to pay for any difference between the AHS Funded hourly rate and the Home Care Provider hourly rate.
How do I Get Started with the Client Directed Home Care Program?
Contact your AHS Case Manager: Reach out to your current AHS Case Manager to discuss your eligibility for the CDHCI program or contact the AHS Community Home Care Intake line to self-refer to the program. They will organize for a Case Manager to come to your house to complete an assessment of your needs and develop a Service Care Plan that outlines the maximum hours of care per month you have been approved for.
Sign the necessary documents: Sign the Consent to Disclose Information form and the Letter of Agreement, which outlines the terms and responsibilities of the CDHCI program. Your case manager will provide you with these forms.
Choose a Care Provider Agency: Select an eligible Care Provider Agency from the list provided by Alberta Blue Cross. Ohana Care is an approved agency in Calgary and Edmonton area.
Direct your care: Work with your chosen Care Provider Agency to schedule your services and build an individualized care plan for the staff providing your care.
Pay for services not covered by CDHCI: You are responsible for paying the Care Provider Agency for any charges/expenses not covered by the CDHCI program, such as additional hours beyond the approved maximum, overtime, vacation pay, or equipment costs.
Ongoing communication with AHS and Alberta Blue Cross: Keep your AHS Case Manager informed of any changes to your condition or care provider status. Also, notify AHS and Alberta Blue Cross of any changes to your address or contact information.
Conclusion
By following these steps and utilizing the CDHCI program, clients can have more control over their home care services while also receiving financial support for their care needs. This empowers clients to make the best decisions for their care while benefiting from the expertise and flexibility of their chosen Care Provider Agency.
