In this Elder Law Minute, Wes Coulson, Illinois and Missouri Elder Law attorney, discusses Medicaid, and if it can be used to pay for assisted living or home care.
Transcript:
Hi, I’m Wes Coulson from Dent-Coulson Elder Law,with offices in O’Fallon, IL and St. Louis Missouri, serving clients throughout the metropolitan area, and this is your Elder Law Minute. Today I want to talk about whether Medicaid is available to help pay for care in an assisted living facility or for home care. The answer to that question is generally no, but there are a couple of important exceptions you should know about.
First, in Illinois, there are a limited number of facilities that are essentially assisted living, but they are certified as supportive living facilities. If a facility has been so certified, it is a Medicaid provider. So, in Illinois, if you’re looking for assisted living care and can’t afford the cost out of pocket, you can look for one of those providers and indeed be on Medicaid in what’s essentially assisted living.
In Missouri there is a program under which Medicaid can pay for home care. Now, there are some limitations to it. First, the person receiving care needs to be certified medically as being in bad enough shape that they could otherwise be in a nursing home. The cost of the home care that the state is going to be paying for has to be less than it would cost them in a nursing home. And, you need to choose from a list of approved providers that are the home care agencies that the state works with.
In either case, there are some things called home and community based services. Each state has what’s called HCBS Waiver Program. That’s more limited. It’s only for particular conditions. For example, there is a brain injury waiver program. But, it’s at least something in order for you to get the care you need or to get a loved one the care they need. You ought to talk to an elder care attorney like us, and find out what’s available.
- Also looking for information about Medicaid and Asset Preservation? Visit these articles:
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Dent-Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Dent-Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (618) 632-7000 or (314) 567-9292, or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
