IHSS caregivers may receive health and dental benefits for their work. To be eligible for health and dental coverage, a caregiver must work and be paid for 85 hours of IHSS work for three consecutive months.
What plans are available?
- Health coverage- Kaiser Permanente
- Dental coverage - United HealthCare
Who is covered by the benefits plans?
In Sacramento County, IHSS sponsored health and dental coverage is only available to eligible caregivers. Spouse and/or dependent coverage is not available. Coverage for dependent children may be available from Healthy Families. For more information, follow the link below.
How do I apply for benefits?
An application is sent automatically when a caregiver first meets the eligibility criteria. If a completed application is not received by the deadline on the application, eligible IHSS caregivers may only re-apply during the annual open enrollment period (usually in November-December). (Note: the IHSS Public Authority cannot be responsible for mail delays or failure to deliver. Applicants are welcome to personally deliver applications to our offices during normal business hours.)
How long will it take to get benefits?
Because of limited funding, only 3,439 caregivers are enrolled in benefits. This limit has been reached and a wait list has been established. As space becomes available, caregivers on the wait list will be enrolled based on the date their application was received. Due to the high number of people on the wait list, it will take more than one year to be enrolled in benefits.
Once on the wait list or when enrolled, a caregiver must continue to work 85 or more hours in at least one of every three consecutive months. If worked hours fall below 85 hours for three months in a row, a caregiver will lose their place on the waitlist or their coverage will be cancelled.
Do caregivers pay anything for the benefits?
Caregivers pay a share of the premium for the health benefits. This amount is currently $15.00 and will be deducted from one paycheck per month. Healthcare costs are rapidly rising and the caregiver share can change from year to year. If it does, you will be notified during each year's open enrollment period and you have the option to cancel coverage.
