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My mom gets the maximum amount allowable for Social Security. This amount places her over the income limit for Medicaid. But it is no where near enough to pay for skilled care.
Does anyone know what our options are?

Given Mom is receiving this and has no OTHER income such as a pension, there seems little way to do a QIT Trust as Geaton suggests. I would stop by your nearest nursing home to ask what happens in this situation. Likely the entire SS goes to the nursing home and the small allowance monthly kept aside for her; then Medicaid swings in.

Also, while your wait time on phone may be long, call Medicare/Medicaid at 1 800 Medicare and ask.
A.I. may be helpful as well.
Bogleheads.org addresses this question directly: See link:

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=413816
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Look into a QIT (Qualified Income Trust)

"...also known as a Miller Trust — is a special type of legal trust used to help individuals qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits when their income is over the Medicaid limit.

Here’s how it works:

Medicaid has strict income caps for eligibility. If an applicant’s monthly income is even slightly over the limit (varies by state), they can be denied coverage for nursing home or home-and-community-based care.

A QIT provides a lawful way to redirect excess income so the person can still qualify.

A trust account is created (usually at a bank) with specific legal language required by the state’s Medicaid rules.

The applicant’s income — usually from Social Security, pensions, or annuities — is deposited into the trust each month.

The trust then pays out:
A small personal needs allowance (as allowed by Medicaid),
The spouse’s allowance (if applicable),
The remainder of the income to the nursing home or care provider.
The balance of the trust after the person’s death must go to the state Medicaid agency up to the amount Medicaid paid for their care.

Key Legal Features

Must be irrevocable (cannot be changed or withdrawn).
Must be established by the Medicaid applicant, their spouse, or legal representative.

The trustee is often a trusted family member or someone approved by Medicaid.
Funds can only be used for approved expenses; improper use may disqualify benefits.

QITs are only for income, not assets.

Each state’s Medicaid agency has specific rules and required trust language — using a generic template can lead to denial.

It’s best to set one up with an elder law attorney who understands your state’s Medicaid regulations.

The requirements differ by state."

Source: ChatGPT5
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Reply to Geaton777
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It is entirely possible your mother is eligible for Medicaid long term care in a facility. It all depends on the asset limits of the state she resides in and how much she will need to spend on her care in order to meet the requirements.

Your best advice is to consult with an eldercare attorney that has expert knowledge in Medicaid long term care. Your mother will need to spend down her savings with allowable expenses for her care only to meet the state asset threshold.

If your mother enters into a long term facility and has Medicaid long term care she will pay all her income (Social Security, pension and any other income) less her Personal Allowance allocation. The personal allowance is held in a separate account that is for her personal needs like hair cuts and clothing.
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Reply to AMZebbC
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