IHSS: Medical Care or Daily Tasks?

If you or a loved one receives In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), you may be wondering exactly what types of help the program covers. A common question is: Can IHSS pay for medical care, or does it only cover basic daily tasks?

The short answer is: IHSS does not cover skilled medical care—but it does cover a range of non-medical tasks, including some that support health and safety.

Let’s break down what IHSS can and cannot pay for.

What IHSS Does Cover

IHSS is designed to help eligible people stay safely in their own homes instead of being placed in institutional care. The program covers non-medical personal care and daily living tasks, including:

Personal Care Services:

• Bathing and grooming
• Dressing
• Toileting and incontinence care
• Feeding assistance
• Assistance with mobility and transfers

Domestic Services:

• Housecleaning
• Laundry
• Meal preparation and cleanup
• Grocery shopping
• Accompaniment to medical appointments (not the medical care itself)

Protective Supervision:

For individuals with mental impairments or developmental disabilities who need constant supervision to stay safe.

Paramedical Services (Limited Exception):

IHSS can cover certain medical-like tasks called “paramedical services” if:

• A doctor prescribes them,
• The tasks are necessary to keep the recipient safely at home, and
• The caregiver (often a family member) is trained to do them.

Examples of approved paramedical services:

• Administering medications
• Catheter care
• Colostomy/ileostomy care
• Tube feeding
• Blood sugar monitoring

These services must be authorized by IHSS and supported by documentation from a medical professional.

What IHSS Does Not Cover

IHSS does not pay for:

• Skilled nursing care (e.g., IV therapy, wound care by an RN)
• Services provided by a home health nurse or therapist
• Medical procedures requiring licensed healthcare professionals
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy

Those types of care are typically handled by Medi-Cal home health benefits, private insurance, or separate care providers.

Can IHSS and Medical Services Work Together?

Yes! Many families use IHSS for personal and daily care, while receiving medical care separately through Medi-Cal, private insurance, or regional center programs. IHSS can even complement medical care by supporting recovery or daily functioning at home.

Bottom Line

IHSS mainly covers non-medical, daily living tasks—not skilled medical care. However, some doctor-prescribed paramedical services can be included with proper authorization. To ensure you or your loved one is receiving all the services you're eligible for, it’s essential to communicate with your social worker and healthcare provider.

Need help? In California, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides crucial financial help for families raising children with special needs. American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action regarding your best interests.

CONTACT US FOR HELP. Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].