If they're going to pay, I'd give the assistant the most you can right off unless it's a cash flow problem. You don't have anyone you know/talk to among the insurance people?

If you are worried about whether she'll be good or not, I'd only have her, say 4-6 hours at first and that will give you a sense of if she'll be good enough but she'll still be getting the max wages per hour so if you have to let her go and get another before you move, you can get someone that does work out for the 8 hours without jeopardizing the cost they'll reimburse?

Don't forget that even though you know her, etc. it will still be a stress on you to have her come in and get use to having an assistant, etc. so fewer hours at first might help you keep your strength as you try this something new?

Good luck! Sounds great.