Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps states provide health care services for needy and lower income individuals. Medicaid regulations allow nursing home care to be provided for those individuals who meet the financial and medical requirements for their state. Rules for Medicaid eligibility vary between states. However, the primary qualifications for Medicaid to provide assistance for long-term care in a nursing home include the following:
- Be at least 65 years of age, blind or disabled as determined by the state.
- Be a resident of the state in which care will be provided.
- Need the type of care provided by a nursing home.
- Meet the income limitation test; and meet the assets limitation test as set by the state.
To assist the Department of Human Services in processing an application as quickly as possible, they must see the following item(s) or verification(s) as applicable to the situation of the resident, and the spouse if married.
- Birth Certificate or age verification.
- Social Security Card.
- Medicare Card.
- Proof of money or checks received (income).
- Last two bank statements for savings and/or checking, savings bonds, or Certificates of Deposits.
- Life insurance policy(s).
- Burial contract(s) and irrevocable election certificates.
- Medical insurance policy(s) and verification of premium(s) paid.
- Physician's name, address and telephone number.
- Deeds to home and any other property including mineral rights; and two estimates (not appraisals) from Realtors of the fair market value of this property.
Application must be made at the local county DHS office in which the long term care facility your interested in is located. Call the local county DHS office and make an appointment. The long term care facility cannot make application for a resident, but can assist with the process. Contact the Administrator of the facility for more information pertaining to Medicaid application process. They will be more than happy to assist you.
This information is intended only as a guide to the Medicaid process. For more information, contact your local state Medicaid office.
