In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers (also known as caregivers) who work with IHSS consumers (also known as recipients) in Marin County have access to government subsidized medical and dental insurance benefits when available and eligibility requirements are met. In Marin County, there are 265 benefits “slots” funded for IHSS providers. As of December 2005, there is a waiting list for provider benefits with roughly 12 providers waiting for dental coverage and 15 waiting for medical coverage. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and applicants are placed on a waiting list in the order in which their application was received. Benefits are awarded on a monthly basis when current enrollees drop or are no longer eligible.
Elegibility Requirements
IHSS providers become eligible for health and dental insurance benefits after working 85 or more hours per month for three consecutive (and continuing thereafter) months within the County of Marin for an eligible IHSS consumer.
Providers are responsible for tracking their eligibility and requesting a Benefits Application Packet when eligible. The Public Authority sends a Benefits Application Packet when the provider has met eligibility requirements. In order to be eligible for Marin County IHSS provider benefits, the IHSS provider most meet eligibility requirements by working for an IHSS consumer receiving benefits through the County of Marin.
Cost
In addition to any co-pays noted above in the Kaiser and Dental Insurance overview charts, IHSS providers pay low monthly premium co-pay for benefits: $16 a month for Kaiser and $6 a month for dental. Once a provider is enrolled in medical or dental benefits, the State of California automatically deducts the premiums co-pay along with Union dues from the providers’ paychecks.
