There are so many care options available to our seniors depending on their preferences and needs. More seniors and individuals with medical needs are choosing to receive care in the comfort of their homes rather than moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. In-home care is becoming more and more in demand because it satisfies the desire to remain in their homes to receive whatever care is needed.
When medical needs are involved, seniors will benefit more from home health care. This includes post-surgical, ill, and critically ill patients, as well as those with special medical needs such as injections, wound care, and physical and occupational therapy.
However, home health care cost can vary significantly depending on location, type of care, and provider availability—making it essential to understand what factors influence pricing.
This guide breaks down home health care costs by state, explores key pricing factors, and helps you determine what to expect when budgeting for in-home medical care. Understanding these costs will help you make an informed decision about care options.
Factors That Affect Home Health Care Cost
Several factors contribute to the overall home health care cost. Here are the most significant:
Location
Home health care costs are usually higher in areas that have a higher cost of living, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts. This is due to the high demand for healthcare services.
Rural areas may have lower costs due to lower demand for services, but fewer available providers can sometimes drive prices up. So, it’s not always a straight arrow.
Type and Level of Care Needed
The recipient’s needs significantly affect the home health care cost. Medical home care costs more than non-medical home care, however, the type of medical care in demand also differs.
The level and number of expertise needed will contribute to the cost. For example, a senior who only needs medical attention to monitor vital signs will pay less compared to someone who requires physical therapy and care while recovering from a stroke.
Licensing & Certification Requirements
States with stricter licensing requirements for home health agencies and caregivers tend to have higher labor costs.
States with less regulation may have lower costs but could also have less oversight on service quality.
Insurance and Assistance Programs
The actual amount one will pay for home health care depends on their insurance plan and the level of care needed (as discussed above).
Since home health care services are often prescribed by a doctor, Medicare and Medicaid may cover some costs if eligibility criteria are met, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Some states offer more Medicaid waivers, which help lower out-of-pocket expenses for in-home care. Private insurance policies and long-term care insurance may cover part of the expenses, but coverage varies by plan and state.
Average Home Health Care Cost Per State
The median home health care cost in the United States is $33 per hour according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey of 2024. The cost is currently following a trend of 3% year-over-year percentage change. Genworth uses median values to help reduce the effects of outlier values.
Many in-home care and home health care services charge by the hour. It is also a good metric to know the base cost of your expenses.
There is a difference between the home health care costs by state. Breaking it down this way makes the data more relatable.. Below are the general figures.
| State | Hourly rate |
| Alabama | $25 |
| Alaska | $34 |
| Arizona | $36 |
| Arkansas | $26 |
| California | $39 |
| Colorado | $42 |
| Connecticut | $35 |
| Delaware | $34 |
| Florida | $30 |
| Georgia | $29 |
| Hawaii | $43 |
| Idaho | $34 |
| Illinois | $35 |
| Indiana | $33 |
| Iowa | $39 |
| Kansas | $32 |
| Kentucky | $34 |
| Louisiana | $22 |
| Maine | $43 |
| Maryland | $33 |
| Massachusetts | $38 |
| Michigan | $34 |
| Minnesota | $43 |
| Mississippi | $25 |
| Missouri | $33 |
| Montana | $40 |
| Nebraska | $36 |
| Nevada | $38 |
| New Hampshire | $39 |
| New Jersey | $37 |
| New Mexico | $28 |
| New York | $34 |
| North Carolina | $30 |
| North Dakota | $40 |
| Ohio | $33 |
| Oklahoma | $40 |
| Oregon | $40 |
| Pennsylvania | $34 |
| Rhode Island | $42 |
| South Carolina | $30 |
| South Dakota | $44 |
| Tennessee | $31 |
| Texas | $30 |
| Utah | $38 |
| Vermont | $44 |
| Virginia | $33 |
| Washington | $42 |
| West Virginia | $29 |
| Wisconsin | $38 |
| Wyoming | $33 |
Summary of Values
These values are only a median of what goes on in each state. They would still vary within states based on several factors including the ones already discussed. You can still have large disparities between the urban and rural areas within the same state.
Here are some useful statistics from the survey:
National hourly median home health care cost: $33
National daily median home health care cost: $214
National monthly median home health care cost: $6,483
National annual median home health care cost: $77,792
States with the highest home health care costs: Vermont, South Dakota, Minnesota, Maine, Hawaii
States with the lowest home health care costs: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas
Who Needs Home Health Care?
Contrary to popular belief, home health care is not only needed by seniors. Medical assistance is needed by a wide range of individuals depending on the restrictions provided by their ailment. Especially if they want it in the comfort of their homes.
However, due to the provisional (short-term) home health care from Medicare, Medicaid, and some health insurance plans offered following a doctor’s prescription, not many people look out for home health care by themselves.
Here is a list of people who may need home health care at different levels and times:
- Seniors Aging in Place: Older adults who want to maintain independence while receiving support for medical or daily living needs.
- Individuals with Chronic Illnesses: Those managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or arthritis benefit from regular monitoring and assistance.
- Patients Recovering from Surgery or Injury: Post-operative care, physical therapy, and wound care help speed up recovery at home.
- People with Disabilities: Individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities may need personal care, therapy, or medical support.
- Individuals with Cognitive Disorders: Those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive conditions require specialized care to ensure safety and well-being.
- Patients Needing End-of-Life Care: Hospice or palliative care provides comfort and symptom management for individuals with terminal illnesses.
Home health care services are customizable based on medical conditions, mobility levels, and personal needs. A home health agency can assess individual requirements and create a tailored care plan.
Example of Home Health Care Services
Home health care provides a variety of medical and personal support services to help individuals maintain their independence and well-being at home. These services can range from skilled medical care to assistance with daily activities.
Here are some common home health care services and their tasks:
- In-home Nursing care: Wound care, medication management, monitoring vital signs.
- Physical Therapy care: Rehabilitation exercises to improve mobility and strength.
- Occupational Therapy care: Assistance with regaining daily living skills, such as dressing or cooking.
- Speech Therapy assistance: Support for speech, swallowing, and communication challenges.
- Medical Social Services: Counseling, resource planning, and connecting families with support programs.
- Home Health Aide Services: Assistance with bathing, grooming, and other personal care needs.
The type of services required depends on an individual’s health condition and care plan. A home health agency can evaluate your specific needs and create a personalized care plan to ensure the best possible support.
Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care
Home care and home health care are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes and involve different types of services. Understanding the distinction can help individuals and families choose the right level of care based on their needs.
Home Care
Home care refers to non-medical assistance that helps individuals with daily activities. It is typically provided by caregivers or personal aides who do not have medical training.
Home care is ideal for seniors or individuals who need help with daily living but do not require medical treatment. It is often used to enhance independence and quality of life.
Home Health Care
Home health care involves medical services provided by licensed professionals, such as registered nurses, physical therapists, and home health aides under the supervision of a physician. It is often prescribed after hospitalization, surgery, or for managing chronic illnesses.
Home health care is designed for individuals recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery who need medical care at home.
Below is a summary of the major differences between home care and home health care:
| Based on | Home Care | Home Health Care |
| Type of care | Non-medical assistance | Medical services |
| Providers | Caregivers, aides | Nurses, therapists, social workers |
| Primary purpose | Help with daily activities | Recovery and medical treatment |
| Services rendered | Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, laundry, companionship, and errands | Vital signs monitoring, wound care, injections, IV therapy. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Medication management and administration. Medical social work |
| Insurance Coverage | Typically private pay or long-term care insurance | Often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance if prescribed by a doctor |
Choosing between home care and home health care is the first step. After doing this, you can further find out if what is precisely needed is specialized care such as assisted living or nursing home care.
Conclusion
Home health care costs vary significantly based on location, level of care required, and provider type. However, it is an essential part of the lives of seniors and individuals who require medical assistance from professionals but want to remain in the comfort of their homes.
Additionally, medical needs, frequency of services, and eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance can determine how much families pay out of pocket. So, picking the right home health care is an important task.
When deciding on home health care, it’s essential to evaluate both cost and quality. Families should compare rates between home health agencies and independent caregivers, check what insurance or government assistance covers, and assess how much support is needed.
