Qualifying for Nursing Home Medicaid

Qualifying for Medicaid can be a complex process.  Even though Medicaid was set up to care for people that need help, the system has many different rules in relation to eligibility.    

Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

Medicaid has three types of requirements that they look at when evaluating to determine approval for eligibility of nursing home medicaid.  These requirements look first at medical needs and level of care needed, and then the second and third requirements are all about finances.  An important factor to note is that if the individual applying for Medicaid is married, Medicaid will look at the spousal assets and income as well.

Evaluation 1

The first thing that Medicaid looks at to determine eligibility is requirements related to level of care. Because there are many different Medicaid programs, this requirement will be different depending on which program is being applied for.  Medicaid takes into consideration the individuals medical needs and whether or not the level of care needed requires that of a nursing care facility.  

Evaluation 2

The second thing that Medicaid looks at is income. This evaluation is looks at the amount of monthly income that the individual receives at the time that they apply for nursing home Medicaid. The income requirement includes things such as alimony income, pension income, social security income, and any money earned earnings through investments. All income that is received is factored into the evaluation and the cost of nursing home care.  If the individual is pursuing a Medicaid waiver, such as Home and Home and Community Based benefits, the requirement may not apply.

Evaluation 3

The third thing that Medicaid looks at for eligibility is assets. Assets  include checking accounts, savings accounts, all investments, property owned, life insurance cash value, as well as many other types of assets.  Its important to note that proper planning is required in order to ensure that no surprises arise during the process related to Medicaid liens and estate recovery.  

Hiring an Elder Law Attorney

Hiring the right Elder Law Attorney to navigate nursing home Medicaid can make all the difference.  Paths Elder Law works with clients to guide them through the Medicaid process and to help determine the right program to fit the individuals needs.  This is done all while looking at how to preserve the individuals assets during the qualification process, while applying and avoiding any type of state recovery.

If you are in need of assistance in navigating the Medicaid process and preparing for for a nursing home medicaid plan, Paths Elder Law can help.  For more information on Nursing Home Medicaid, visit our website or contact us at 816-524-7999 to schedule a consultation.