Medicaid and Long-Term Care

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed to pay for health services for those with low incomes or high medical bills relative to income and assets. Medicaid will pay nearly half the cost of all nursing home care as well as some home and community-based services.

In order to receive Medicaid help, one must meet their state and federal guidelines for income and assets. Most people who plan to rely on Medicaid to pay for their long-term care stay will first pay out of their own funds and until they are eligible. Medicaid may then pay part or all the cost of nursing home care.

You may have to spend most, or all, of your assets to qualify for Medicaid. The rules differ in each state governing the amount of money and other assets you may keep to be eligible.

For more information on Medicaid, please visit
Medicaid Long Term Care Services.

Source:
National Association of Insurance Commissioner, 1999