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smith2 Asked May 2018

We are 92 and 99 yrs old and need home care. Social security is our only income. Can we qualify to get Medicaid right now?

All we have is 26k savings. No home or car. Can we qualify to get Medicaid right now? The agency charges $25 per hour for home help

Ahmijoy May 2018
Thanks for the clarification, everyone.

jeannegibbs May 2018
There is a widespread misunderstanding about Medicaid financial qualifications. The limit of savings FOR A COUPLE is very different than for an individual! It would be foolish to make the couple spend down all their assets and then have to put the spouse on welfare.


If you qualify for Medicaid they will probably cover some in-home care, supplies, medications, etc. And if either of you needs to go to a care center, they cover that, too.


Because qualifying as a couple is a little more complex than as an individual, it would be good to have assistance with the application.


I suggest you contact your Area Agency on Aging, explain your situation, and ask for a referral to low-cost legal aid to help with the application.


The amount you have in savings will not disqualify you. You won't have to spend it down if you meet the other criteria.


Please keep in touch here and let us know how this goes for you.

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97yroldmom May 2018
Welcome to the forum. Where are you living now?
Depending on your state there may be some services available. Generally speaking Medicaid requires you meet both medical and financial criteria.
Call your Area Agency on Aging and ask them to visit you for an evaluation to see what services you are eligible for. 

See a certified elder attorney. If your need is great in some states you can place your excess savings in a trust that allows you to enter a facility on Medicaid earlier than when your savings are gone. 
You can also use your savings to prepay for your funeral or cremation. There are several ways to spend down your savings which are acceptable to Medicaid. Because there are different rules for different states it’s best to see a certified elder attorney well versed in Medicaid rules and to help you make the best decisions for the both of you. 
You are very wise  to make plans before one of you is gone and leaves the other to manage alone. You are obviously doing a lot right to be living independently in your 90s. 
jeannegibbs May 2018
They won't need a trust, 97yroldmom. The allowed amount of savings is very different when there is a spouse involved than for a single individual.
Ahmijoy May 2018
Where are you living right now? Renting an apartment or condo? With $26,000 in savings, you would have too much to qualify for Medicaid. In Ohio, you can have no more than $1200. Also, if your Social Security payments are too high, you  will not qualify.  Medicaid has a LOT of rules and regulations you have to follow, like what they call a “five year lookback” into your financial affairs. That means you can’t try to pull a fast one on them like giving gifts to your family now to “dump” your money so you’ll qualify. 

Do you have any family or friends who could make some calls for you to find you help? One place to start is your local area Agency on Aging. You can also try Adult Protective Services. And, in our state, we can dial 211, which is the number for the United Way. They can tell you who to call for help. You can also talk to your doctor and tell him/her you need help.
jeannegibbs May 2018
You are thinking of requirements for an individual, Ahmijoy. It is very different when there is a spouse involved.

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