FAQ

Staff availability depends on location and the specific care needs of the client. If a client already has a team of nurses, COFK offers a streamlined online onboarding process for a smooth transition. For those new to skilled home care or without a nursing team, our dedicated recruiters work diligently to hire qualified nurses tailored to your specific needs. COFK collaborates closely with families and nurses to ensure a safe and timely admission to our services.

COFK’s experienced Client Success Associates will review your insurance benefits to determine if your health plan covers the requested care and is one of COFK’s contracted Health Plans. While COFK is not a Medicare provider, many of our services may be covered under various health plans if they are physician-ordered and meet the plan’s criteria. For medically fragile pediatric clients with a Medicaid Health Plan, COFK will work to obtain authorization for in-home care if the health plan is one of our contracted providers. If the care is physician-ordered and approved by the health plan, the health plan will cover the services.

If a nurse calls out or is unable to cover a shift, every effort is made to secure a qualified replacement. COFK utilizes advanced technology to support our dedicated Client Service Associates in promptly reaching out to all available, appropriately skilled nurses to ensure coverage for open shifts.

While COFK specializes in pediatric home care for medically fragile children, we also provide experienced nursing and aide services for adults. Adult services vary by state.

COFK can provide a skilled nurse to accompany an approved client to school via public or school transportation. However, most health plans do not permit nurses or aides to drive clients. For privately paying clients, transportation may be arranged with proper authorization and completion of the required company paperwork. Please contact us to verify transportation service availability.

Insurance Overview

Accepted Insurance

Billing Overview

Evaluation and Treatment Sessions are available for children with various coverage options:

• Medicaid, TRICARE & DDD:

We proudly accept Medicaid, TRICARE and DDD (Department of Developmental Disabilities) programs where available. Our team can help guide you through eligibility and next steps.

• In-Network Commercial Insurance:

Coverage varies by plan. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm benefits and exclusions.

• Out-of-Network Commercial Insurance: Services may be eligible under out-of-network benefits. Please contact your insurance provider regarding coverage and any required pre-authorization.
• Self-Pay Options: No insurance? No problem. We offer flexible self-pay plans for families without insurance coverage. Our team is here to help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget—contact us today to learn more.

COFK uses a secure and private payment system to protect your financial information. Therapy rates may vary slightly by state. Contact us for location-specific information.

Telehealth Therapy

• Conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams (HIPAA-compliant)
• Great for families in rural areas or with limited transportation
• Allows continuity during illness or inclement weather
• Requires internet access and a phone, tablet, or computer

In-Person Therapy

• Conducted at an approved location with a licensed therapist
• Location options are discussed during the intake process

Therapy Locations Include:

• Daycares, Head Starts, ABA clinics
• Private schools (with consent)
• With sitters or caregivers (with consent)
• Home-based settings – even with siblings present
• After-school care programs

Location Limitations:

• Therapy is not permitted in public schools during school hours
• Telehealth in group settings (e.g., daycare) requires a caregiver present

Scheduling Factors:

• Greater flexibility improves chances of therapist assignment
• After-school hours (3 PM+) are in high demand
• A caregiver (not necessarily a parent) may attend sessions

Typical Scheduling Windows:

• Daytime: 7 AM – 3 PM (Mon–Fri)
• Afterschool: 3 PM – 7 PM (Mon–Fri)
• Weekends: Limited availability based on therapist schedules

Frequency & Duration:

• Most children attend therapy 1–2 times per week
• Sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the therapy type and your child’s individual needs

To begin therapy, Request a Consult. We’ll gather the following:

✅ Child’s availability
✅ Preferred therapy location (in-person or virtual)
✅ Presenting concerns
✅ Insurance details

Next Steps:

1. COFK matches your child with an available therapist.
2. Therapy orders are requested from your child’s physician (if not already provided).
3. If needed, COFK obtains insurance authorization.
4. Our team reaches out to schedule the evaluation.

We provide school-based services through three flexible models:

• Traditional onsite services
• Hybrid (onsite/remote)
• Fully remote services

Yes. Every clinician undergoes a rigorous vetting process, including comprehensive background checks.

Absolutely. Our clinicians receive monthly professional development opportunities and paid memberships to various online platforms for self-guided learning.

Clinicians are directly employed by Care Options for Kids (COFK) as W-2 employees. We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Health insurance benefits
• Accrued paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) retirement plans

All clinicians complete onboarding with a Clinical Director. Training includes:

• Online support
• Documentation guidance
• Ongoing support throughout the year to enhance workflow and documentation quality

Staff availability depends on location and the specific care needs of the client. COFK works closely with families and nurses to ensure a safe and timely admission to our services. Our dedicated recruiting team, supported by the latest technology, strives to find and hire the right caregiver to meet your needs as quickly as possible.

COFK does not bill Medicare for in-home health services. However, we are contracted with many Medicaid Health Plans that may cover home health care services for eligible members. Our expert Client Success Associates are happy to review your health plan benefits and help determine if your coverage includes in-home care. If your plan does not qualify, we offer private pay options to ensure you receive the care you need.

If a caregiver is unable to cover a shift, we make every effort to secure a qualified replacement as quickly as possible. COFK leverages the latest technology to assist our dedicated Compassionate Client Service Associates in promptly reaching out to available caregivers to fill open shifts, ensuring continuity of care for our clients.

Most health plans do not allow nurses or aides to drive clients. However, for private pay clients, caregivers may provide transportation once the required company paperwork is completed and approved. Please contact us to discuss your needs and verify available transportation services.

If homemaking services are included in your loved one’s health plan, our caregivers can assist with light housekeeping tasks such as tidying your room, changing bed linens, doing laundry, preparing meals, and washing dishes used during their shift. For private pay clients, meal preparation and light housekeeping can also be arranged to meet your needs.

The Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program is an opportunity for family members to receive training and gainful employment. This program allows family members to be reimbursed by Medicaid (through a Home Health Agency), by providing care to a relative who is 21 years old or younger with an underlying physical, mental, or cognitive impairment AND is eligible to receive skilled care services under the Medicaid program.

The program was created in response to the national health care provider shortage and its impact on medically fragile children and their family. This is a supplemental program that will allow family members to obtain gainful employment when they do not have complete nursing coverage for PDN hours that are ordered and authorized.

Unfortunately, this is something we have no control over. The bill specifically outlines that employment for this program may not be offered to individuals whose name appears on a criminal screening report from the Department of Law Enforcement. This is a Florida Statute which regulates health professions and occupations. If your family is affected by this Florida mandate, we understand how this may impact you and your family. If affected, we want to make you aware that there are options for you.

In Florida, licensed health professionals who are disqualified from employment due to a background check may be able to apply for an exemption from their professional body. Non-licensed officials can apply for an exemption through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The applicant must provide clear and convincing evidence to support their request, which is a higher standard than in civil court. The Florida State will consider factors such as:

• The circumstances of the offense
• Parole or probation violations
• The harm caused to the victim
• The time since the offense
• Work experience
• Performance evaluations
• Personal references

Stay connected with us! As we are waiting for the final policy from the state, we are proactively communicating with families so that we can work together to get you trained and working as quickly as possible with your child! We are sending out communication frequently to keep everyone updated on the state’s progress as well as ours.

If you are not receiving our communication, please work with your local office to be added to our communication list.

Contact us for more information!

We have not received the final ruling from the state and therefore do not have the clarity needed to answer this just yet.

As outlined in the Bill, the training program must consist of at least 86 hours and include at least 40 hours of theoretical instruction in nursing, 20 hours of skills training on basic nursing, 16 hours of clinical training under the direct supervision of a licensed registered nurse, and an unspecified minimum number of hours of training on HIV/AIDS infections. Additionally, they must also obtain and maintain a current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and complete 12 hours of annual in-service training each 12-month period. Furthermore, they must complete the 6 hours of training for administering medication upon delegation by a registered nurse.

Absolutely! We are grateful for this opportunity and are eager to support you and your family by covering the costs of your education and training.

During AHCA’s last public hearing, July 31st 2024, they clarified that this policy update will not change the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Therefore, the income your family receives from this program will be reportable income when applying or re-applying for Medicaid.

No, this program was provided as an effort to reduce the nursing coverage gaps patients and families have. Furthermore, the bill prohibits family members from duplicating private duty nursing services provided to an eligible recipient.

This is a very important question that we are excited to address. The Bill requires AHCA to determine a fee schedule for Home Health Agencies. A fee schedule is a complete listing of fees used by Medicare/Medicaid to pay doctors or other providers/suppliers. Until this is finalized, we are unable to determine what the pay will be just yet. Once we have more information, you will be the first to know what our competitive pay rate will be! We are also excited to offer benefits such as 401k, medical, and dental health insurance, and PTO for eligible employees.

In Colorado, you may be eligible to be a paid caregiver for your family member through the Family CNA or In-Home Support Services (IHSS) programs. Eligibility for these programs is based on the medical needs of your loved one and their Medicaid enrollment.

Family CNA Program: If your loved one qualifies for skilled nursing-level care, you can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and be paid to provide their care. This program requires CNA certification, free of charge through COFK’s program. All types of Colorado Health First Medicaid and HCBS Medicaid Waivers support this program.

IHSS Program: If your family member has a significant disability or medical condition and requires home care services, you may qualify to be paid as their caregiver without needing a CNA license. IHSS allows family caregivers to provide personal care, health maintenance, and homemaker services under the supervision of a registered nurse.

To learn more, start the assessment process, or determine which program is right for you, reach out to the Colorado COFK team.

We work with a wide variety of diagnoses in both the Family CNA and IHSS programs. Some common qualifying diagnoses are autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injuries, spina bifida, genetic mutations, feeding tubes, and more. Eligibility for the program is based on the individual needs of your loved one.

As outlined by the state of Colorado, the CNA training program must include at least 75 hours of instruction, divided between classroom or online instruction and clinical practice. COFK provides this required training at no cost to family members. We partner with a variety of CNA schools to help you find the best fit for your needs, whether you prefer online, in-person, self-paced, or accelerated programs.

Training requirements vary by class, with some offering a combination of online and in-person components. To obtain your CNA license in Colorado, you must also complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification.

For the IHSS program, caregivers must complete any CPR training and a brief orientation with COFK.

COFK will provide this required training at no cost to the family member and will pay the family member to take this training.

Income earned through the Family CNA and IHSS programs may affect the client’s Medicaid eligibility in Colorado. However, Colorado offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers, which allow individuals to qualify for Medicaid without counting family caregiver income against their eligibility.

These waivers help ensure that individuals receiving care can maintain their Medicaid benefits, even if their family member is being paid as their caregiver.

To learn more about HCBS waivers, income limits, and how to protect Medicaid eligibility while participating in these programs, please reach out to our team.

Pay varies between the Family CNA and IHSS programs. We strive to offer competitive rates, comprehensive benefits, sign-on bonuses, quarterly bonuses, and more. For specific pay rates and benefit details, please contact our team.

The Pennsylvania Care Academy is a state-recognized training program that prepares individuals to provide safe, high-quality care in home and community settings. The program meets Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) standards for direct care workers, home health aides, and personal care attendants.

Anyone interested in becoming a certified caregiver in Pennsylvania may enroll—this includes new caregivers, family members providing care for loved ones, and individuals seeking employment in home health or personal care settings.

The program includes 59 hours of self-paced online coursework followed by 16 hours of hands-on, in-person training. This combination gives participants both the knowledge and real-world skills needed to confidently step into their role and begin providing care right away.

Yes. Upon successful completion of all modules and assessments, participants receive a Certificate of Completion recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This certificate can be shared with employers as proof of state-compliant caregiver training.

You can register directly by contacting your local office. Once enrolled, participants receive login information and can begin training immediately at their own pace.

Yes. You’ll receive a $900 bonus for completing the program, plus the opportunity to earn additional stipends if you finish within the required timeframe.