Funding Sources For Your Home Modification

A recent article has suggested that 87%  of RI Nursing Homes might be at risk of closing. This sobering and scary prediction has sent ripples of concern throughout the state. Thankfully, Oakley Home Access is committed to helping our community learn more about ways to Age In Place and stay safely in their homes. Home modifications and aging in place are less expensive alternatives to long-term care facilities. As more and more people learn about and research Aging In Place and Home Modifications, information about funding sources is a top concern that we address. 

Our passionate and dedicated staff will review funding sources with clients after we perform our Free Home Safety Assessment. Through our community contacts and experience working with these funding organizations, we can walk you through the process and make this transition as simple and stress-free as possible.

There are several different funding options to consider if they are not able to pay out of pocket. There may be more options in addition to these as there are always new programs to help.  

We believe that the first place to begin for Rhode island residents is the Home Modification Grant.

• RI Livable Home Modification Grant. We are pleased to learn that this RI State-funded program has returned. This grant offers to pay for 50% of up to $4000 worth of Home Modifications and/or home accessibility equipment including ramps and stairlifts. Application may be found at www.gcd.ri.gov.
• State-run Medicaid. If an individual receives RI Medicaid benefits they MAY be eligible for waiver programs funding Stair Lifts & Ramps. We are State approved providers and can check on eligibility and bill the state directly.
• Neighborhood Health Plan. If an individual has NHP as primary or secondary insurance and it is managed by Integra, they MAY be eligible for Stair Lifts & Ramps. A prescription and letter of medical necessity is required from a physician. We are providers and can work with NHP for authorization and billing.
• United HealthCare-Community Plan. Some United HealthCare-Community Plan members MAY be eligible for ramps and stairlifts. Similar with other insurances, we can check on eligibility and pursue prior authorization if applicable.

For those needing further options, we suggest looking into the following to see the programs for which you might be eligible.

• Long-Term Care Policy. If an individual carries a LTC policy, they will most likely be aware of it because it is very expensive. It generally covers nursing home residency. Therefore, the insurance companies would much rather pay for home modifications for aging in place versus footing the bill for approximately 100,000 per year for residency at a nursing home. Simple reimbursement process.
• National MS Society. Members are often eligible for thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment with a simple application and letter from physician confirming diagnosis.
• ALS Association of RI. Members are each eligible for $1,500 towards purchase of stair lift and a wide variety of home care benefits.
• Infantile Paralysis Association. Individuals with Polio have a funding option which often puts thousands for wheelchair ramps and various adaptive equipment.
• Travis Roy Grant. This grant is for accessibility equipment for individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries. Eligibility requirements include the individual cannot be born with impairment to qualify. Simple application along with contractor proposal and doctor’s note required.
• Other Disability Organizations. We always encourage health care providers and individuals alike to advocate and contact any disability organization or support group they may be involved with in order to inquire regarding funding for home modifications. Worst that can happen is they say No. If the answer is no, be sure to ask what benefits they DO offer.
• Life Insurance Policy. Individuals who carry life insurance policies that include a “Living Benefit” may sometimes be able to borrow against their award and cover home modifications.
• Home Modification Lines of Credit. Individuals with equity in their homes may inquire about using that to fund home improvements. All of our services/equipment would be eligible for this type of loan.
• Worker’s Compensation. Individuals rehabilitating due to a work-related injury and being covered under an active claim are eligible for home modifications to prevent further injury and create home access.
• AAA, AARP, YMCA, & Veteran’s Discounts Available
• Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP): MA Loan program which provides up to $50,000 for home modifications related to a disability. This program is payment and interest free, to be collected at the time the home sells or transfers titles. 
• Centers for Independent Living: There are several centers for Independent living in Massachusetts that assist with guiding clients through the HMLP or can provide funding for home modifications to those who don’t qualify for the HMLP

We know that there is a lot of information contained here. To answer further questions or to get started on your home modification project, please contact our office at Oakley Home Access at 401-429-3882 in RI or at 508-269-9227 in MA.