Section 49-6-74. Provision of services; reimbursement of caregivers; maximum amounts available

   (a) The department, through contracts with or through area agencies on aging and other appropriate entities, shall provide the services described in paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of Code Section 49-6-73 and shall reimburse qualified primary caregivers for purchase of approved services, equipment, and supplies described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of Code Section 49-6-73.

(b) (1) The maximum amount available to a qualified primary caregiver whose household income is under 200 percent of the federal poverty level shall be established by regulation. The department shall be responsible for developing allowable cost ranges for services and supplies under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section 49-6-73, including the development of maximum amounts available per month to a caregiver, where necessary.

   (2) The maximum amount available to a qualified caregiver whose household income is under 200 percent of federal poverty level shall be established by regulation but shall not exceed $2,000.00 for the entire duration of the case for expenses incurred for home modifications or assistive devices as described in paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of Code Section 49-6-73.

   (3) A sliding benefits scale shall be established by the department by regulation to ensure that caregivers who qualify under this article and whose household income exceeds 200 percent of the federal poverty level shall pay some portions of the out-of-pocket expenses for services, equipment, and supplies described in subsection (c) of Code Section 49-6-73. In no event will persons whose household income exceeds 400 percent of the federal poverty level be considered eligible for state funded services, equipment, or supplies under this article but such persons may purchase such services through this program by paying the entire cost of such services.

Code 1981, § 49-6-74, enacted by Ga. L. 1994, p. 455, § 1.