Alaska runs real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here is what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.
15% of the state
each with its own page
that can pay a relative
see the full rule below
Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Rules from each state's published Medicaid program
$24–$26/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Alaska Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in.
no waitlist — PCS and CFC are state-plan entitlements
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed.
The fine print: limited — since 8/1/2025 a spouse can be paid for Community First Choice personal care when hired through a CFC personal-care agency (SDS memo 6/27/2025); State Plan PCS still bars spouses
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — since 8/1/2025 parents of children older than 6 can be paid for CFC personal care through an agency, and for In-Home Supports on the children's waivers; State Plan PCS still bars them
Run by: Alaska Department of Health, Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS), 907-269-3666
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A path for children who need extra care.
2-min check →Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Contact a PCS provider agency or SDS to complete the PCA-08 Initial Application (doh.sds.info@alaska.gov, 907-269-3666); an Aging and Disability Resource Center can help; approval can take ~3 months.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Alaska, they are overseen by the Alaska Department of Health. We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.
Care at home costs Medicaid far less than a nursing home. So states pay family members to give that care at home. It's good for your loved one, and it's the law working the way it should.
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed. The fine print: limited — since 8/1/2025 a spouse can be paid for Community First Choice personal care when hired through a CFC personal-care agency (SDS memo 6/27/2025); State Plan PCS still bars spouses
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — since 8/1/2025 parents of children older than 6 can be paid for CFC personal care through an agency, and for In-Home Supports on the children's waivers; State Plan PCS still bars them
Reported figures are around $24–$26/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in. Details: no waitlist — PCS and CFC are state-plan entitlements
It depends on the program. In Alaska: self-directed under CDPCS — participant hires, trains, supervises, fires; a Consumer Directed Provider Agency acts as fiscal agent for tax withholding and caregiver payments
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · health.alaska.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
The programs are the same across Alaska. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
Guides
Start with the Alaska caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.