Introduction

The Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program, provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), offers a flexible way for clients to manage and pay for their home care services. This article will guide you through the process of utilizing the CDHCI program to fund and pay for home care services, empowering you to take control of your care and select the care provider agency that best suits your needs.

Understanding the CDHCI Program

The CDHCI program 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 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.

Eligibility for CDHCI

To be eligible for CDHCI, clients 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 to Get Started

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. Ensure that the agency meets the necessary requirements and is a good fit for your needs.

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. You are responsible for establishing a backup plan in case the Care Provider Agency is unavailable.

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.