Barbara Fradkin – Hometown News

Q:  Does Medicaid have a long-term care program that will help me at home?

A:  This column is the third in a series and will address Community Based Medicaid.

Offered by Florida Medicaid, Medicaid waiver/Home and Community Based services provides assistance in the home or other community settings for persons who would otherwise require institutional care in a hospital, nursing facility, or intermediate care facility.

This program has a long waiting list — with priority given to those who need the services most.

In Assisted Living– Medicaid will contribute approximately $1300 monthly toward the Assisted Living bill.  Medicaid only helps with the level of care fee; the room and board fee is an out-of-pocket expense paid by the resident.

At Home– Medicaid will pay for between 15-40 hours of weekly home health care, depending on the amount of care needed.  The state pays this directly to the Medicaid-approved agency. Most seniors want to stay in their own home as long as possible — and with this program it is doable.

BUT…  there are thousands of people on the waiting list for this program. Therefore, you cannot rely on getting services immediately. Planning ahead is crucial. Attorneys who specialize in Elder Law can speed the process and help you obtain these Medicaid services.

Here are the big takeaways from our three-column series on Medicaid.

  • Medicaid is an assistance program, run by state and local governments within federal guidelines.
  • Medicaid is the single largest payer of nursing home bills in America.
  • Medicaid can help pay your Medicare
  • Medicaid will not take away your house.
  • Medicaid can help you with in-home or Assisted Living care.
  • Qualified Income Trusts may help you qualify for Medicaid programs.
  • Some Medicaid programs have long waiting lists. Plan early.

Questions? One Senior Place can point you toward a number of Elder Law attorneys who can help with qualifications for Medicaid. For more information, call 321-751-6771.

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One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging at OneSeniorPlace.com. Barbara Fradkin is a Social Worker, Certified Care Manager and the Director of One Senior Place, Viera.