Senior with medication
It is common for many senior citizens to take part in the United States funded Medicare insurance program, but many may not realize that some seniors are also eligible for Medicaid. The Medicaid insurance program pays medical costs to health care providers for people with low incomes. Seniors who are not poverty stricken may be unaware that many of them are still eligible to take part in the program. The high costs for prescription drugs and long term care make many seniors eligible for different types of Medicaid.
Long Term Care Medicaid Eligiblity
Although many seniors have never considered themselves financially eligible to receive Medicaid, many have trouble covering the costs of long term care. Medicaid is available to cover the expenses for seniors who are living with chronic illness or disability, need long term care, or are having trouble paying for their health expenses. In order to receive Medicaid for long term care, senior citizens must meet specific medical and financial requirements. These medical requirements are regulated by the Division of Family Assistance and The Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. After an application process the senior's financial and medical situations are evaluated by the DFA and BEAS.
In a long term care facility where nursing is required, the facility may require a separate in-house evaluation procedure performed by a registered nurse. This assessment must be approved by the Legislative Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. However, it can only be conducted after the DFA finishes determining the senior's financial eligibility based on their application and separate assessment. To apply for long term care Medicaid, contact the Department of Health and Human Services.
Duel Eligibility
While financial eligibility requirements may confuse some senior citizens, their participation in Medicare programs may hinder them from applying for Medicaid coverage. However, certain Medicare recipients can receive duel eligibility from both insurance programs. One common eligibility requirement in duel recipients is the authorization for them to receive Supplemental Security Income. A majority of these people are at the federal poverty level or spent excessive amounts of money on health care. The duel eligible seniors are able to acquire Medicare premiums with Medicaid benefits. Seniors who are above the federal poverty level may receive Medicaid that covers their Medicare premiums.
PACE
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 gave way to a program that created the opportunity for seniors to receive both Medicare and Medicaid funding. This is known as The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. The PACE program is an option for Medicare users, giving them the option to utilize Medicaid benefits. While eligibility varies by state, interested individuals must be 55 years or older and be eligible to live in a state appropriate PACE certified nursing home.
