Medical emergencies can strike without warning. Martin’s family learned that when he suffered a major stroke and landed in the emergency room. He needed skilled, 24/7 nursing care. Unfortunately, he had never done any Medicaid planning or even wondered, “Do I qualify for Medicaid.” His family had to scramble to find ways to pay for his care until his Medicaid application was processed. Don’t be like Martin. As you consider whether you might qualify for Medicaid for the Elderly & Disabled or Institutional Medicaid, think about the following questions.
Do I have a physical or mental condition that meets Medicaid requirements?
To receive Medicaid for Institutional Care, you must be in the hospital, a nursing home, or an ICF-IID facility. Medicaid usually needs to see a doctor’s diagnosis for this type of care for it to be covered.
To receive Home and Community-Based Waivers, you must be “elderly, disabled, homebound, mentally disabled, or have certain medical diagnoses…”
As Medicaid caseworkers review your application, they will review your medical records to make sure you meet the medical requirements for the appropriate program.
Do I meet residency requirements?
Since Medicaid is a joint federal-state program, each state has some flexibility in how it manages its own Medicaid program.
To receive Alabama Medicaid benefits, you must be a resident of Alabama. Also, you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
Do you meet Medicaid’s income and resource limits?
These limits vary from program to program. However, the income and resource limits for E&D and Institutional Care are:
• Income limit: $2,030 per month
• Resource limit: $2,000 as of the first day of each month.
There are special rules for married individuals. When deciding whether you qualify for Medicaid or not, talk to an experienced Alabama Medicaid lawyer to make sure.
Answer the Question, “Do I Qualify for Medicaid?”
Discuss your circumstances with an experienced Alabama Medicaid lawyer.
Contact us at 256-472-1900 for a free consultation. The attorneys at Miller Estate and Elder Law know how to help you with Medicaid planning and with estate recovery concerns. Miller Estate and Elder Law is located at 818 Leighton Avenue in Anniston, but we serve clients in Gadsden, Hoover, Talladega, Vestavia Hills, and surrounding areas.
Also, receive a free download of Medicaid Planning in Alabama: What You Need to Know by completing the brief form below:
