What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a jointly funded, Federal-State health care program for persons who are financially eligible. Medicaid provides care for acute medical needs, rehabilitation, and long-term care at home and in nursing homes. There are also numerous community-based programs, including adult day care, and assistance with local transportation.
Does Medicaid Pay for Long-term Care?
Yes, Medicaid pays for long-term care in a nursing home. In a few states it also pays for long-term senior care in the home. Medicare, on the other hand, does not pay for long-term care.
If I Give Away My House and All My Money Will I Qualify?
Not anymore. There is a 5-year look-back law now. Uncle Sam can find your money and make you pay. You should consult an Elder-law attorney to understand the acceptable ways to "spend-down" assets to qualify for Medicaid as a low-income senior. You can gift some assets, within limits, to a beneficiary, but you should remember that these assets will no longer be in your control. Also, remember that the leading type of elder abuse is financial, many times by a family member. Spousal poverty protection laws have been passed to allow the spouse of a senior who needs long-term nursing home care to maintain usually up to 50% of the couple’s assets.
How do I apply?
Applications are available through your state Medicaid program.
How soon will coverage start?
Coverage can possibly begin from 3-months prior to the application’s approval. Applications sometimes take longer than expected. You should ask about the usual approval timeframe when you submit your initial application for Medicaid coverage.
What is the minimum asset requirement to qualify?
Asset requirements are usually limited at $2,000.00.
Does Medicaid long-term care have a limit?
No, Medicaid will pay for long-term care in a nursing home for as long as a senior qualifies for needing the care, even if this means multiple years of care until death.
Medicaid Services Georgia Department of Community Health Georgia Medicaid Services (404) 656-8681
Older Americans Act
In 1973, an amendment to the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) required states to separate their aging planning and service areas and to designate Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to implement programs and services for older Americans at the local level. The local Area Agencies on Aging offices serve certain counties and implement the elder service programs within their geographic boundaries. The quickest way to find out what services a senior may qualify for and what senior programs are available is to contact the Area Agency on Aging office serving the county where the senior lives. A few states have websites which provide information for the entire state and other states provide a county lookup on their website to find the correct area office to contact for senior services.
What State Senior Services are Provided?
Area Agencies on Aging provide assistance with senior benefit programs, social security, Medicare, eligibility for low-income senior programs including home and community services (some states will provide part-time caregiving in the home through their home and community services program), along with:
Transportation
Home-delivered Meals
Prescription Drug Programs
Healthy Aging Programs
Case Management
Caregiver Training
Senior Activities
Support Groups
Volunteering
What services are offered by the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)?
SHIP is a free counseling service for seniors and pre-retirees and is part of a federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance programs located in every state. SHIP counselors answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid along with prescription coverage and low-income assistance. You local Area Agency on Aging will have information on SHIP and many provide SHIP counselors to give group presentations.
Find Your Local Area Agency on Aging Office
Georgia Area Agencies on Aging:
State Senior Services Help Line: 866-552-4464
State Senior Services Email Contact: cberger@atlantaregional.com
Elder Abuse Hotline: 888-774-0152 or 404-657-5250
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