Navigating Alberta’s Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing: Insights for Families

Understanding the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing
As of January 2023, Alberta launched the innovative Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program, a province-wide scheme designed to facilitate access to cost-effective and consistent home care services across Alberta. This initiative allows eligible participants to choose their preferred home care provider from an approved list, including Complete Caregiving Homecare Services, which boasts nine locations throughout Alberta. The cost of these services is substantially covered by Alberta Health Services (AHS). Once enrolled in the CDHCI program, Complete Caregiving Homecare takes the lead in coordinating the perfect caregiver match, scheduling, custom care plan creation, and handling invoicing with Blue Cross for reimbursement of authorized expenses, simplifying the process for participants.

Who Qualifies for the CDHCI Program?

  • Residents of Alberta possessing an active healthcare card
  • Those who have undergone a home care evaluation by AHS
  • Individuals exhibiting a steady and predictable need for home care services

Please note: Participants may need to cover any pricing disparities between the AHS-funded rate and the chosen provider’s rate, costs for services not included in the AHS-approved care plan, GST, overtime fees, and public holiday rates.

Advantages of the Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing Program
The program empowers both new and existing AHS Community Home Care clients with the liberty to select an approved provider for their authorized care. This choice brings flexibility regarding service schedules and caregiver substitution during sick leaves, enhancing control without the burden of self-management. Complete Caregiving Homecare Services further personalizes the experience by ensuring caregiver matches reflect cultural and linguistic preferences.

Covered Services Under the CDHCI program. Eligible services within the predefined monthly hours include:

  • Personal Care (assistance with grooming, dressing, bathing, etc.)
  • Housekeeping (cleaning, meal preparation, etc.)
  • Respite Care (temporary relief for primary caregivers)

Initiating Your Journey with the CDHCI Program
Existing home care or Self-Managed Care recipients should reach out to initiate the process. Alternatively, eligibility and program entry can begin with a call to the AHS Community Home Care intake line (811) leading to a home assessment, hour allocation, and Care Plan provision.

Following Approval: Next Steps
Completion of CDHCI program enrollment involves:

  • Selecting a provider from the Blue Cross-approved list
  • Arrangement of a no-obligation consultation with Complete Caregiving Homecare Services
  • Signing a Service Agreement and completing AHS-required documentation
  • Direct billing set up upon receipt of the Blue Cross approval letter
  • Continuous communication with AHS and Alberta Blue Cross regarding any care or contact information changes

Seeking Additional Assistance?
For needs beyond the officially approved services, private billing options are available for additional hours, overtime, and holiday pay. Should care requirements evolve, a new AHS evaluation can be requested. Complete Caregiving Homecare Services is dedicated to assisting families at each step of their CDHCI program experience. For further information or guidance, feel free to contact us.