As we age, healthcare becomes crucial, yet burdens a lot of us with costly and frequent hospital visits. Hence why it’s imperative to understand the Medicaid application process.
Medicaid provides an affordable health plan, particularly to senior citizens, promising them quality health facilities without any unnecessary hurdles.
In this guide, we will discuss all you need to know about Medicaid support for the elderly, its long-term care benefits, and planning for nursing homes.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a combined health care insurance program initiated by the US federal government and the states. It is designed to help American citizens with low incomes and limited resources pay for their medical care.
Medicaid supports people of all ages, but particularly those seniors who depend on it to pay for in-home health assistance, long-term nursing home care and planning, and all other medical costs, which Medicare does not cover.
While Medicare is available mainly for the aged 65 or above, its eligibility criteria depend largely on an individual’s assets and, most importantly, on their medical need. Before going further into the Medicaid application process, let’s first understand the common confusion between Medicare vs. Medicaid.
Medicaid vs Medicare For Seniors
Both Medicare and Medicaid programs are designed for better health provision to citizens; they have different services to offer based on needs and eligibility.
| Medicare | Medicaid |
|---|---|
| Run by the Federal Government only | A partnership between the Federal and State |
| Eligibility 65 years or above, or if a person has any disability | Eligibility based on a person’s assets and income |
| Covers doctor visits and hospital stays with limited long-term care | Covers hospital stays and doctor visits, long-term care, and planning for nursing homes |
| Requires Premiums or Subscriptions | Premiums not required for eligible senior citizens |
Many seniors who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid are called dual-eligible. Hence, if you fall under dual-eligible criteria, it can assist you to get Medicaid long-term care benefits and pay your:
- Medicare Premiums: Monthly fee
- Medicaid Deductibles: Yearly amount to pay
- Medicaid Copayments: A small amount to pay during each hospital visit
Medicaid For Seniors: The Lifesaver You Deserve
Healthcare expenses for senior citizens can be staggering. Despite receiving Medicare assistance, some health concerns can turn into an out-of-pocket expense, consequently affecting your financial responsibilities.
This is where the Medicaid application process comes to rescue you. It offers a wide range of financial packages and long-term services that it can assist you with, such as:
- Long-term nursing home care
- Medicaid planning for nursing homes
- Improved home health service
- Hospital and doctor visits
- Personal healthcare services
- Prescription drugs (not applicable for all States)
- Family planning services
- Legal and financial services
- Health clinic services for rural areas
- X-ray and other laboratory services
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Services (EPSDT)
- Wellness and lifestyle assistance
Be informed that different states may provide additional health assistance and offer extended Medicaid eligibility for seniors.
Pro Tip: Although Medicaid significantly improves your health and offers you a stress-free future without putting a strain on your finances, signing up for it can be tricky.
At Senior Services Simplified, we offer you an effortless pathway for getting better health coverage.
Eligibility for Medicaid Application Process
Every state in the USA has set special health protocols for its citizens to follow. This is why Medicaid eligibility for seniors varies from state to state. Thus, before completing the Medicaid application process, it is important to know the Poverty Guidelines determined by the US government for each state.
These guidelines are updated every year by the federal government. Based on these guidelines, states determine the eligibility criteria and whether a person or a family falls under FPL or not.
Several examples include:
- Age 65 or above and living in the USA
- A legal citizen of the USA, or at least has lived lawfully in the USA for five consecutive years
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
- Have limited assets
- Having disability for over 24 months
- Having end-stage renal disease
- Live below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or have a low income
Despite having many strict eligibility rules imposed by the federal government for Medicaid applicants, some states offer increased service coverage to facilitate and include more elderly individuals.
Therefore, if you are a senior citizen and waiting to get health assistance for yourself, don’t miss out, and try your luck to get registered today at Senior Services Simplified.
Choose Medicaid, Get Long-Term Care
Long-term care coverage is one of Medicaid’s greatest advantages for seniors.
While Medicare only pays for home health care under certain restrictions and limited hospital stays with skilled nursing facilities for up to 100 days, Medicaid frequently provides unlimited coverage for the following:
- Nursing home care services
- Assisted living facilities
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Medicaid assistance is considered a lifesaver for many elder individuals, as without it, they wouldn’t be able to afford these crucial services.
Medicaid Application Process
The Medicaid application process might feel overwhelming, so we have broken it down into the simplest steps for ease:
Step 1: Collect All the Relevant Documents
- Personal information
- Your financial documents
- Legal proof for citizenship
- Immigration status, if applicable
- Proof of income, such as Social Security details/Pension records
- Asset records, such as bank statements/property deeds
- Medical benefits and aid, if received before
- Current Insurance offers or your future plans to receive
Step 2: Get Connected with Your Local Medicaid Office
Contact your local Medicaid office by visiting your state’s official website or calling them to get forms and personal assistance.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
You can do this by either visiting your nearby office or applying online. Normal processing time may take 45 days. Processing time after the Medicaid application process for the disabled may take up to 90 days due to eligibility restrictions.
Step 4: Regularly Update/Renew Your Medicaid eligibility
Renew your Medicaid eligibility annually. Remember, a regular update = fewer coverage delays.
Tips To Secure Your Future With Medicaid
Millions of Americans need proper medical care, especially when older.
Therefore, planning for better health facilities becomes crucial for them. Knowing your needs, we, at Senior Services Simplified, offer you a better, safer, and healthier future because we believe that timely management and steps can help you secure your future.
To get started with getting Medicaid long-term care benefits and planning for nursing homes, you need to:
- Start early registrations using the easy Medicaid application process.
- Review your financial statements and income details.
- Consider timely Medicaid planning.
- Stay informed and up to date with the latest policies.
Final Thoughts
By understanding how the Medicaid application process and eligibility criteria work, you can make sure that you or your loved ones get the necessary care without compromising your financial freedom.
Remember that timely health assistance is mandatory for everyone, and especially for elderly citizens. Hence, it is essential to make health your priority.
Need assistance? Take some time out today and book an appointment to get help from our professionals and restructure your Medicaid planning for stress-free health benefits.
