Receiving Medicaid can save you thousands of dollars a year, but you must first meet the applicable income test and asset test to be eligible for Medicaid, with which a professional can assist you.
Medicaid is a federal and state financial medical assistance program that provides a wide range of medical services to the aged and disabled for those who apply and qualify. The federal government provides a significant portion of the financing for the Medicaid program, but in order for North Carolina to receive federal funding, the state must comply with the applicable federal statutes and regulations. Often the Medicaid rules can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with them, and it can be difficult to apply and be accepted for Medicaid without professional assistance.
Medicaid Eligibility
There are three major components for Medicaid eligibility: medical, income, and resource eligibility. All three components of eligibility must be met before the state will approve a Medicaid application.
Medical Eligibility
To medically qualify for the Medicaid program, a person must require a level of care that places him or her “at risk” of nursing home care. Your medical doctor initially determines the level of care you need. Your doctor’s opinion is then reviewed by EDS who determines the level of care required. One must remember that your level of care can change upon re-evaluation.
Financial Eligibility
Medicaid applicants must meet both the relevant income and asset criteria. Different income and resource criteria apply depending on whether the applicant is married or single. It is important to know that a couple can own over &600,000 of countable property, plus an unlimited amount of non-countable assets and still qualify. Nursing Home eligibility is a Middle Class program. The eligibility criteria for single and married applicants are as follows:
Single Income Eligibility Criteria
The single individual’s gross monthly income must fall below their cost for care.
Married Income Eligibility Criteria
First, only the nursing home patient’s income is considered for eligibility; that income must fall below the cost of care. The Community Spouse can have unlimited income, but if that income is low, he or she is permitted to “take” a portion of the applicant’s income to obtain a minimum monthly income of $1,712.00 up to $2,739.00.
Resource Eligibility
Medicaid applicants must meet both the relevant income and asset criteria. Different income and resource criteria apply depending on whether the applicant is married or single. It is important to know that a couple can own over $600,000 of countable property, plus an unlimited amount of non-countable assets and still qualify. Nursing Home eligibility is a Middle Class program. The eligibility criteria for single and married applicants are as follows:
Single Resource Eligibility Criteria
The resource limit for a single individual is $2,000.00 in “countable” assets. Thus, to qualify, an individual must have no more than $2000.00 in countable assets. However, it is important to understand that an individual can own “excluded” or “non-countable” assets.
Married Resource Eligibility Criteria
The resource limited for married couples depends largely on the countable assets owned by both spouses as of the time of the Medicaid applicant’s first period of continuous institutionalization of at least 30 days, and the current value of countable assets. If the current countable assets are less than $21,912.00, then the couple automatically qualifies; otherwise, a “Resource Assessment” will need to be completed to determine how much the applicant’s spouse is entitled to keep in countable assets. During the Resource Assessment, the state will total the countable assets and divide them in half. The resulting figure plus $2,000.00 is how much in countable assets the couple may own to receive Medicaid assistance. Note, the maximum countable assets the community spouse may keep is $109,560.00. The overage must be converted to non-countable assets. Once the marital assets have been “spent down” to the amount specified by Medicaid, the applicant then qualifies under the resource criteria for Medicaid. Note – different limits apply if both spouses are seeking benefits.
In addition to the applicable amount of countable assets, a single or married applicant may own “excluded” assets, and be eligible for Medicaid: the primary residence; an automobile; prepaid irrevocable burial plans; burial plots; household goods and personal effects; certain life insurance policies; specific types of bonds and annuities; and an array of other non-countable resources.
Visit an experienced elder law attorney today to help you determine whether you are a candidate for Medicaid. Don’t wait until you are in a crisis situation financially to visit a professional to help you with Medicaid planning, as getting help from an experienced Medicaid planner at the outset of your entry into a nursing home can save you tons of money over time in facility fees. Contact W.G. Alexander & Associates today for assistance.