Question 1

How much do caregivers get paid through Cottage Home Care?

Accepted Answer

Caregiver pay at Cottage Home Care typically ranges from $18 to $22 per hour depending on the program (HHA or PCA), the county you work in, and your case assignment. New York State sets minimum wage floors for home care workers, and Cottage pays competitively within those ranges. For the exact rate that applies to your specific case and location - Nassau, Queens, Suffolk, Westchester, or Albany - call our team at 516-367-2266. We will give you the real number, not a vague estimate.

Question 2

Does Cottage Home Care pay overtime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Caregivers who work more than 40 hours per week are entitled to overtime pay under New York State labor law. Overtime is calculated at 1.5x your regular hourly rate. If you are working multiple shifts or covering additional cases, overtime may apply, and we make sure your paycheck reflects it accurately. Questions about your specific schedule and OT eligibility? Our payroll team can walk you through it.

Question 3

Is there a minimum number of hours I have to work each week?

Accepted Answer

No strict minimum applies to most cases. Hours are determined by your patient’s approved care plan - not by a quota we set. Some patients need a few hours of support each day; others need full-time coverage. Your schedule is built around what the patient’s Medicaid authorization approves. We are upfront about expected hours before you take any case, so there are no surprises.

Question 4

When do caregivers get paid, and how?

Accepted Answer

Cottage Home Care processes payroll weekly. You can receive payment via direct deposit (most common) or check. Direct deposit typically posts on Fridays. If you have direct deposit set up, your money is there when you wake up - no waiting, and no running to cash a check. We will walk you through setting up your payment method during onboarding.

Question 5

Can I work with more than one patient?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most situations. Many of our caregivers work with two or more patients on different schedules. The key is that each patient’s care hours must be properly documented and billed separately. Our scheduling team helps coordinate this so there is no overlap in your logged hours. Just let us know your availability when we match you with cases.

Question 6

Can I get paid to take care of my own spouse or family member?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes - depending on your loved one’s Medicaid program and care plan structure, a family member may be approved as a paid caregiver. Eligibility is determined by the patient’s Medicaid plan and the type of services authorized. Call us at 516-367-2266 and we will check whether your specific situation qualifies - it is more common than most families realize.

Question 7

Does Cottage Home Care reimburse travel expenses for caregivers?

Accepted Answer

Travel reimbursement depends on the program and case structure. Some assignments include mileage reimbursement when a caregiver accompanies a patient to medical appointments or errands. Personal commute to the patient’s home is generally not reimbursed under standard Medicaid-funded programs. Ask our intake team about the specific case you are being placed in - travel expectations vary, and we will be clear about it upfront.

Question 8

Are there any benefits beyond the hourly wage?

Accepted Answer

Eligible caregivers may qualify for New York Paid Family Leave, NY State sick leave, and other benefits depending on hours worked and employment status. During onboarding, our HR team walks you through every benefit you qualify for based on your schedule. We do not hide the fine print.

Question 9

What happens to my pay if the patient goes to the hospital?

Accepted Answer

If a patient is hospitalized, caregiver pay for those hours generally pauses - you are only paid for hours of care actually provided. If you are available and on our roster, our scheduling team will work to connect you with other open shifts so you are not left without income. We try to minimize gaps for our most reliable caregivers.

Question 10

Does Medicaid cover home care services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New York Medicaid covers a wide range of home care services, including personal care (bathing, dressing, mobility), home health aide services, and specialized programs like NHTD. If you or a loved one is enrolled in Medicaid and meets the medical criteria, you may qualify for services at little to no out-of-pocket cost. Cottage Home Care works directly with Medicaid and Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plans to coordinate your coverage.

Question 11

How do I know if I’m eligible for Medicaid home care in New York?

Accepted Answer

Medicaid home care eligibility in New York is based on three things: financial need, medical need, and residency. You must be a New York State resident, enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid, and have a documented medical condition that requires assistance with daily activities. Age is not a barrier — Medicaid home care is available to qualifying adults of all ages. Call us at 516-367-2266 and we’ll do a free eligibility check with you — no paperwork needed for that first conversation.

Question 12

What if I have Medicare but not Medicaid — am I covered?

Accepted Answer

Medicare covers short-term, skilled home health care — nursing visits, physical therapy — after a qualifying hospitalization. It does not cover long-term personal care or custodial home care. If you need ongoing help with bathing, dressing, or daily activities, Medicaid is the program you need. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (called “dual eligible”), you may have access to the fullest range of home care benefits available. We can help you understand how your specific coverage works.

Question 13

Will I have to pay anything out of pocket for home care through Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

For most Medicaid home care programs in New York, there is no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. The entire service — caregiver hours, care coordination, and oversight — is covered through Medicaid. Some individuals may have a Medicaid spend-down, which is a threshold you meet before full coverage kicks in. Our team will review your specific Medicaid status and explain exactly what’s covered before we start any services.

Question 14

What is an MLTC plan and do I need one to get home care?

Accepted Answer

MLTC stands for Managed Long-Term Care — a type of Medicaid managed care plan that coordinates home care and other long-term services for people who need ongoing support. In most parts of New York City and surrounding counties, adults who need long-term home care are required to enroll in an MLTC plan before services begin. Cottage Home Care works with all major MLTC plans. If you’re not enrolled yet, we can guide you through that process — it’s one of the first steps in getting services started.

Question 15

My private insurance has a home care benefit — does Cottage accept that?

Accepted Answer

Cottage Home Care works with Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care (MLTC) plans. For private insurance home care benefits, coverage varies significantly by plan. Call us at 516-367-2266 with your insurance information and we’ll let you know exactly what we can coordinate. We also offer Private Pay options for those whose insurance doesn’t cover the level of care they need.

Question 16

Can a non-citizen receive home care services?

Accepted Answer

Medicaid home care eligibility for non-citizens depends on immigration status and length of U.S. residency. Some non-citizens who are lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees may qualify for full Medicaid after a waiting period. Emergency Medicaid is also available in certain situations. This is a nuanced area — call our team and we’ll give you an honest answer based on your specific circumstances, without judgment.

Question 17

Does Cottage Home Care accept patients on a Medicaid spend-down?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have a Medicaid spend-down — meaning you need to meet an income threshold before Medicaid activates — we work with patients in this situation regularly. Once your spend-down is met for the month and your Medicaid activates, services can begin. Our intake team can help you understand how this affects your start date and coverage timeline.

Question 18

What is the NHTD program and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

The Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver is a New York State Medicaid program for people who need nursing-home-level care but want to live at home or in their community instead. It’s designed for adults aged 18–64 with a verified physical disability, or 65 and older, who are Medicaid-eligible and require significant daily support. NHTD allows you to stay in your own home, remain close to family, and maintain independence — with professional care built around your personal goals.

Question 19

What services does the NHTD waiver actually cover?

Accepted Answer

NHTD covers a broad range of home and community-based services, including: Home Health Aide (HHA) and Personal Care Aide (PCA) services for daily activities; home modifications such as ramps, grab bars, and safety equipment; independent living skills training; respiratory therapy and skilled nursing support; community integration support to help participants engage with daily life outside the home; and transition services for those moving out of a nursing facility. All services are built into an individualized care plan based on your specific needs and goals.

Question 20

How do I apply for the NHTD waiver in New York?

Accepted Answer

To apply, you or your advocate contacts the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) that covers your county. The RRDC conducts an assessment to determine eligibility and nursing-home-level-of-care need. Cottage Home Care can support you through this entire process — from confirming your eligibility to connecting you with the right RRDC and completing the required documentation. Call us at 516-367-2266 and we’ll map out the exact steps for your situation.

Question 21

How long does NHTD approval take?

Accepted Answer

Most applicants can expect the process to take 4 to 12 weeks from initial RRDC contact to formal approval, depending on the completeness of your documentation and the RRDC’s current caseload. Medical documentation from your physician is the key factor — delays usually happen when that paperwork is incomplete. Cottage Home Care helps you gather and organize everything before submission to reduce back-and-forth and avoid unnecessary waiting.

Question 22

Can I choose my own caregiver through the NHTD program?

Accepted Answer

Yes — one of the defining features of NHTD is participant direction. You have a say in who provides your care, when they provide it, and how your service plan is structured. You’re not assigned a stranger and told to make it work. Cottage Home Care will match you with caregivers who fit your needs and preferences, and you have the right to request changes if a match isn’t working.

Question 23

Is the NHTD program free? What does it cost me?

Accepted Answer

For eligible participants, NHTD services are fully covered by Medicaid — there is no cost to you. You do not pay for caregiver visits, care coordination, home modifications approved through the program, or administrative services. The program was specifically designed to provide nursing-home-level care without the nursing-home price tag. If you’re already on Medicaid, this is your benefit to use.

Question 24

What’s the difference between NHTD and regular Medicaid home care?

Accepted Answer

Standard Medicaid home care covers personal care and home health aide visits based on authorized hours. NHTD is a broader waiver program — it adds services that standard Medicaid doesn’t cover, including home modifications, community integration support, nursing facility transition services, and more individualized care planning. NHTD is for people whose needs are more complex and who require nursing-home-level support to remain safely at home.

Question 25

I’m currently in a nursing home. Can NHTD help me move back home?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and this is exactly what the “Transition” in NHTD is designed for. The program was built specifically to help people leave nursing facilities and return to community living safely. Cottage Home Care has helped many individuals make this transition. We coordinate with the nursing facility, the RRDC, and your medical team to ensure your home is safe, your services are in place, and your move is as smooth as possible. You deserve to be home.

Question 26

How do I get started with Cottage Home Care?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is a single phone call. Call our intake team at 516-367-2266 and we’ll ask a few questions about the patient’s situation, location, and current Medicaid or insurance status. From there, we confirm eligibility, explain next steps, and guide you through everything at your own pace. No pressure, no commitment required for that first call — just clear answers.

Question 27

What documents do I need to enroll in home care services?

Accepted Answer

Enrollment typically requires: the patient’s Medicaid ID or insurance information; a physician’s order or medical assessment documenting the need for home care; photo ID for the patient; and basic demographic and contact information. Once you call us, we’ll tell you exactly what’s needed for your specific program and help you gather anything that’s missing. We send the forms to you — you don’t need to come to an office.

Question 28

How long does it take to be approved and get a caregiver assigned?

Accepted Answer

Approval timelines depend on the program. Standard Medicaid home care (HHA/PCA) typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly your MLTC plan processes the authorization. NHTD waiver approval for new applicants usually takes 4 to 12 weeks. Private Pay can often begin within 48 to 72 hours of enrollment. The biggest delay in most cases is waiting on physician documentation or insurance authorization — not anything on our end. We follow up aggressively so your start date doesn’t slip.

Question 29

Do I have to come into an office to sign up?

Accepted Answer

No. Cottage Home Care’s enrollment process is fully remote. Forms can be completed electronically or mailed to you. Our intake coordinators guide you over the phone every step of the way. If an in-person assessment is required by your MLTC plan or the RRDC, we coordinate that appointment for you. You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone.

Question 30

What happens after I enroll — how does care actually start?

Accepted Answer

Once your authorization is approved, our scheduling team matches you with a compatible caregiver based on your care plan, schedule, language preferences, and personal needs. The caregiver will complete a brief introduction visit, review the care plan, and begin services on the agreed start date. You’ll also have a dedicated care coordinator you can reach if anything needs adjusting. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” program — we check in regularly.

Question 31

Can I switch caregivers if the match isn’t working?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We want you to feel comfortable and safe with your caregiver. If a match isn’t right — for any reason — call us and we’ll find a better fit. You don’t need to explain yourself in detail. Your comfort is non-negotiable, and we’d rather re-match quickly than let a difficult situation continue.

Question 32

Is there an enrollment deadline or limited availability?

Accepted Answer

There’s no deadline, but capacity for specific programs can be influenced by MLTC plan authorizations and RRDC caseloads — particularly for NHTD. The sooner you start the process, the sooner care is in place. We recommend calling as soon as you identify a need — waiting typically extends timelines, not shortens them.

Question 33

What is Cottage Home Care and what makes it different?

Accepted Answer

Cottage Home Care Services is a licensed home care agency serving New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Albany counties, with experience since 1992. What sets us apart is a genuinely person-led approach — your care plan reflects your goals, not a template. We serve multicultural communities with caregivers and staff who speak Spanish, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, and more. We’re not a call center — we’re a team that takes the time to understand your situation before making any recommendations.

Question 34

What areas does Cottage Home Care serve?

Accepted Answer

Cottage Home Care currently serves: New York City (all five boroughs); Nassau County; Suffolk County; Westchester County; and Albany. If you’re unsure whether your address falls within our service area, call 516-367-2266. We’re growing and service areas do expand.

Question 35

What home care programs does Cottage offer?

Accepted Answer

Cottage Home Care offers the following programs: HHA (Home Health Aide) — personal care, hygiene, health monitoring; PCA (Personal Care Aide) — daily living support; NHTD Waiver — comprehensive care for people who need nursing-home-level support at home; MLTC coordination — Medicaid managed long-term care; and Private Pay — flexible, out-of-pocket care plans. Each program is designed for a different situation — our intake team will tell you exactly which one fits yours.

Question 36

Are Cottage Home Care’s caregivers background-checked and trained?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide working through Cottage Home Care is certified, trained, and background-checked before their first shift. HHA certification in New York requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, including supervised clinical experience. We do not place uncertified caregivers. If you ever have a concern about your caregiver, contact us immediately — quality and safety are non-negotiable.

Question 37

Can home care services be provided in a language other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cottage Home Care proudly serves multilingual communities across New York. We have caregivers and staff who communicate in Spanish, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Guyanese Creole, among other languages. Language should never be a barrier to getting the care you need. Tell us your language preference during intake and we’ll prioritize matching you accordingly.

Question 38

What’s the difference between home care and home health care?

Accepted Answer

Home care is non-medical support — help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship. Home health care includes skilled medical services like nursing visits, wound care, physical therapy, and medication management ordered by a physician. Cottage Home Care provides both. Many patients need a combination — a skilled nurse for medical monitoring plus a personal care aide for daily support. We coordinate both seamlessly.

Question 39

Is Cottage Home Care a licensed agency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cottage Home Care Services is a fully licensed home care services agency in New York State. Licensure means we’re subject to state oversight, regular compliance reviews, and caregiver certification standards. You can verify our license status through the New York State Department of Health. We’re also registered with Medicaid and work with all major MLTC plans in our service area.

Question 40

What if I need to reach someone after hours or in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Our team provides 24/7 support for urgent care coordination needs. If you experience a caregiver no-show, a scheduling emergency, or a care-related concern after hours, reach us at 516-367-2266. For a medical emergency, always call 911 first. We handle care logistics — emergencies are for emergency services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your #1 question today?

Talk to a real person who can walk you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your #1 question today?

How much do caregivers get paid through Cottage Home Care?

Payment & Benefits

Talk to a real person who can walk you through it.

How much do caregivers get paid through Cottage Home Care?

Payment & Benefits