Maryland home care — a caregiver helping a senior at home

Private Pay Home Care Services in Maryland

Flexible care options paid directly through your personal funds, giving you choice and control over your services.

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What is "Private Pay"?

A flexible alternative to government programs and insurance.

"Private pay" means you pay directly for services using your own funds—such as savings, income, retirement accounts, or other personal resources—instead of relying on a government program (like Medicaid) or a private insurance plan.

Who Uses Private Pay?

Typically, individuals choose private pay when they:

Do not qualify for Medicaid or other public coverage.

Have insurance but choose to pay out-of-pocket (e.g., to avoid high deductibles or use out-of-network providers).

Require services not typically covered by insurance, such as non-medical home care or companion help.

Services Commonly Covered

Since private pay is not an insurance program, you can fund a wide variety of care needs.

Home Care & Private Duty

Non-medical assistance with daily activities like bathing, meal preparation, and household chores, which are rarely covered by standard health insurance.

Assisted Living

Room and board costs in assisted living facilities are usually paid from personal income or assets unless you qualify for specific Medicaid waivers.

Adult Day Services

Supervision and companion programs during the day, often paid privately unless subsidized by public programs.

Medical Services

Direct payment for medical visits, elective procedures, or specialist care when you choose not to bill insurance.

Eligibility & Financials

No Formal Criteria

There are no strict eligibility rules for private pay because it is based on your personal choice and financial ability rather than government criteria.

Payment Sources

You can fund your care using:

  • Personal Savings & Income

  • Retirement Accounts

  • Veterans (VA) Benefits

  • Long-Term Care Insurance

How to Arrange Private Pay

The process is less formal than public programs. Follow these steps to get started.

1

Discuss & Estimate

Ask the provider for a price estimate. For medical care, providers are often required to give a "good faith estimate" for self-pay patients.

2

Negotiate Terms

Ask about cash-pay discounts or payment plans. Some providers may offer lower rates if you pay upfront or agree to a schedule.

3

Agreement

Always get a written service agreement that lists the specific costs and schedule before services begin.

Services Covered

Personal Care Assistance

  • Bathing and hygiene
  • Dressing assistance
  • Grooming help
  • Medication reminders
  • Mobility assistance

Household Support

  • Meal preparation
  • Light housekeeping
  • Laundry services
  • Grocery shopping
  • Transportation assistance

Have You Checked If Medicaid Covers Your Care?

Private pay gives you flexibility, but many Maryland families qualify for fully funded in-home care and never need to pay out of pocket. Start with the CFC Program (no waitlist) or the Community Options before committing to hourly private rates.

We compare all three paths — Medicaid programs and Private Pay — in one free eligibility review. Contact us for a free eligibility check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Private pay means you pay for home care directly using personal funds — savings, income, retirement accounts, VA benefits, or long-term care insurance — rather than through a government program like Medicaid.

Yes. Many clients choose to pay privately to access non-medical home care services (like companion care or housekeeping) that standard health insurance does not cover, or to avoid high deductibles with an out-of-network provider.

Private pay home care through Cottage Home Care Maryland typically ranges from $30–$36 per hour for non-medical care. Costs vary by level of care, hours needed, and caregiver qualifications. Contact us at (667) 400-0648 for a personalized estimate.

Yes. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) policies often cover in-home care services. We can provide documentation to help you file a claim with your insurer. Contact us to confirm what your policy covers.

No. Medicare and Medicaid are government insurance programs, not private pay. Private pay refers exclusively to funding from your personal financial resources, separate from any government-funded program.

Private pay covers bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, medication reminders, mobility assistance, transportation, and 24-hour live-in care options.

We can help you transition to a Medicaid-funded program. If you qualify for the CFC Program or Community Options Waiver, we will guide you through the application process at no cost to switch to covered care.

Prefer to talk now? Our care advisors are standing by.

Call Us: (667) 400-0648
Statewide in Maryland

Counties We Serve

Community First Choice, Community Options Waiver, and Private Pay home care — available in every county below. Select yours to see programs and how we help local families.

24

Counties

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Not sure which program fits your family? Our advisors serve all 24 counties at no cost.

Call (667) 400-0648