The Medicaid program pays for about half of the country’s total nursing home costs. To qualify for Medicaid, a senior must have a low income and very few assets. This means that many people are not eligible until they have spent almost all their savings paying for a residential facility or home care themselves. But if one spouse remains at home while the other lives in a long-term care facility, Medicaid allows you to keep more assets. And you can do some planning that will let you avoid having to become destitute to get Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs.
Will Medicaid Pay for a Nursing Home or Assisted Living?
Here's an explanation of Medicaid's rules on eligibility for nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care.
Paying Back the State: Medicaid Estate Recovery Rules
If Medicaid pays for nursing home care, the state can try to collect reimbursement for these costs after your death.
Medicaid: Protections for Spousal Income During Long-Term Care
Medicaid does not require a healthy spouse to give up all of her income and property just so the needy spouse can qualify for care.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Services (HCBS)
Medicaid in some states pays for services to allow elderly or disabled individuals to stay in their own homes.
Understanding Medicaid's Community First Choice Program
Community First Choice offers home health care without the limitations of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.
How Can I Safely Transfer My Assets to Get Medicaid to Pay for Long-Term Care?
While Medicaid finances most long-term care in this country, Medicaid is supposed to be "the payer of last resort" when it comes to long-term care.
Safe Ways to Spend Down Your Assets to Qualify for Medicaid
Many individuals who apply for Medicaid find that they have too many assets to qualify.
Using Annuities in Medicaid Long-Term Care Planning
When one spouse has to go into a nursing home, couples can save assets from Medicaid by purchasing an annuity.
When Medicaid in New York Will Pay for Assisted Living or Home Health Care
If you are a New York resident, Medicaid may pay for your stay in an assisted living facility that qualifies as an Assisted Living Program.
When Medicaid in Texas Will Pay for a Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or Home Health Care
Texas Medicaid will pay for a nursing home, assisted living, or home health care when a patient needs skilled nursing care.
When California's Medi-Cal Will Pay for a Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or Home Care
Long-term care like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care are expensive, and private health insurance policies generally do not cover those services.
When Medicaid in Illinois Will Pay for a Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or Home Health Care
Illinois' Medicaid program pays for nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care services for many Illinoisans.
Medicaid for Ohioans Needing Assisted Living or Home Health Care
Through Medicaid, Ohio will pay some of the costs of assisted living and home health care for those who qualify for Medicaid long-term care.
Retitling Assets When a Spouse Needs Medicaid to Pay for a Nursing Home
When a spouse faces the need for nursing home care, the couple should consider retitling assets to prepare for Medicaid eligibility. This article explores how and why assets should be retitled.
Medicaid Planning That Won't Work: Asset Transfers That Incur a Medicare Penalty
Medicaid will pay for nursing home care only for those with limited assets and will penalize those who give away assets to qualify for Medicaid.
How Can I Safely Transfer My Assets to Get Medicaid to Pay for Long-Term Care?
While Medicaid finances most long-term care in this country, Medicaid is supposed to be "the payer of last resort" when it comes to long-term care.
Are Revocable or Irrevocable Living Trusts Useful in Qualifying for Medicaid?
Most trusts, even irrevocable ones, won’t work to qualify a person for Medicaid.
Using Pooled Special Needs Trusts When You Have Too Many Assets for Medicaid
Special needs trusts can be very useful to disabled individuals who have too many assets to qualify for Medicaid.
Using Self-Settled Special Needs Trusts When You Have Too Many Assets for Medicaid
An applicant who has more resources than are allowed by Medicaid can use a self-settled special needs trust to become eligible for Medicaid.