Answers to 4 Common Questions About Medicaid and Assisted Living
If you or a loved one is in need of assisted living services, you may be wondering if you qualify for financial assistance. If you’re concerned about the cost of assisted living or memory care, BridgeWater Assisted Living may be able to help. We’ll break down the answers to four common questions people have about Medicaid and assisted living.
1. Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
The answer to this question varies state by state, so be sure to research Medicaid in the state where you reside. That being said, if you live in Arizona, we have some good news for you.
The Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS, for short) provides health insurance for people who are either 65 and older or have a disability and require nursing home–level care. You can receive the care in a variety of settings, including a nursing home, assisted living community, or even your own home.
2. Who Qualifies for Medicaid?
This is another state-specific question, so we’ll keep the focus on Arizona. In order to qualify for ALTCS, Arizona’s Medicaid program, you must be an Arizona resident, be a citizen or qualified immigrant, and have a Social Security number (or apply to get one). You must also need nursing home–level care as determined by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
To be financially eligible to qualify for the program, you must first apply to all other benefits for which you are eligible, such as pensions or VA benefits. Once you have exhausted all the financial assistance available to you, your countable resources cannot total more than $2,000 individually. Countable resources include the following:
Your individual income must also not exceed $2,523 a month. Income includes wages, Social Security payments, Supplemental Security Income, and disability or retirement pensions. If you are married, you may request a Community Spouse Information Sheet. If you exceed the allotted income, you may request a Special Treatment Trust Information Sheet.
Keep in mind that once you are determined eligible for ALTCS, you may be responsible for covering a portion of your care, known as the Share of Cost.
3. What Is Covered?
After you are deemed eligible for the ALTCS program, you will meet with a case manager who will help you develop a service plan. Services may include nursing home care, home and community-based services that combine in-home and out-patient care, medical services, including doctor visits and prescriptions, behavioral health services, hospice care services, and preventative care for children.
4. How Do I Apply?
If you believe you may be eligible for ALTCS, call 888-621-6880 to start the application process. Another person is allowed to act on your behalf during the application process if you require some assistance.
If for some reason, you do not qualify for ALTCS, don’t worry. BridgeWater Assisted Living may be able to help. Simply give us a call and we will connect you with a community benefits advocate to explore other options. We want to work with you to help you afford the long-term care you need and deserve.