Medicaid is a federal, needs-based program administered by state agencies to provide aid to individuals, many of whom are senior citizens, who cannot afford to pay for their own medical care. Most of the time, this care takes place in a skilled nursing home. Many qualifications need to be met in order to determine eligibility to receive aid, including the following:
Income Limit
As noted earlier, Medicaid is a needs-based program and has strict income limits. The 2018 monthly income limit in Ohio is $2,250 for both single and married applicants. However, there are other income factors that can go into Medicaid eligibility, so you will want to consult with an Ohio elder law attorney who has experience with Ohio’s Medicaid qualification rules.
Asset Limit
Just like the income limit, there is a limit on the amount of assets you can have in order to qualify for Medicaid. The 2018 Medicaid asset limit in Ohio is $2,000 for single applicants and $2,250 for married applicants. There are also rules concerning certain countable and non-countable assets you should be aware of including retirement accounts and real property, so it’s advisable to speak with an experienced elder law attorney to make sure you have all the information necessary for your Medicaid application.
Medically Needy
“Medically needy” individuals are those whose income and assets would typically make them ineligible for Medicaid services, but face mounting medical bills that effectively put them within the income and asset limits. People in this situation are allowed to spend down assets in a qualified manner that will make them eligible for Medicaid. These spend downs must be carefully monitored and follow strict guidelines, which an experienced elder law attorney can help you navigate.
Not every nursing home must accept Medicaid as payment for their services, so finding a nursing home that accepts Medicaid payments and meets your standard of care should be a priority. All nursing homes that accept money from Medicaid are subject to regular inspections by the state of Ohio to ensure they are compliant with state standards and offer satisfactory care to their patients.
If you’d like more information about Medicaid eligibility for a skilled nursing home, or if you’d like to review and assess your current situation to determine if Medicaid coverage is a viable plan for your future, please contact our office at 877-653-3450 to schedule an initial complimentary consultation.