Confused. Hesitant. Overwhelmed.
If this is how you feel while searching for the right assisted living community, you’re not alone.
It can be a challenging process.
Along with that emotional weight, there’s the cost to consider. Although many communities offer financing opportunities, it’s important to understand all options before making a decision. One potential solution is Medicaid. Not to be confused with Medicare, Medicaid is insurance funded by the state that supports individuals who qualify for financial assistance.
Medicaid provides necessary support for millions of Americans, but will assisted living pay for Medicaid? There’s ongoing confusion. Here are answers to common questions.
What Does Medicaid Pay For?
Medicaid pays for healthcare services provided in an assisted living community.
This includes activities of daily living (ADLs) such as getting dressed, assistance with personal care, and taking medications at the right time. Assisted living communities ensure residents get help with the essentials while also allowing freedom and independence.
With this assistance paid for, residents are free to focus on passions, stay active, and just enjoy life.
What Does Medicaid Not Pay For?
Medicaid does not pay for an individual’s room or meals.
Expenses like these are paid out of pocket or through another source.
What Is A Medicaid Waiver?
A Medicaid Waiver helps provide necessary healthcare services as an alternative to moving into a nursing home.
For assisted living, a Medicaid Waiver is often the stepping stone that starts the process. It helps individuals apply for Medicaid and allows them to move into an assisted living community.
To be eligible for the the Medicaid Waiver in Indiana, individuals must:
- Be aged, blind, or otherwise disabled
- Reside in or be transitioning into an HCBS-compliant setting
- Have income no greater than 300% of the maximum Supplemental Security Income amount
- Meet “nursing facility level of care”
To learn more, you can find answers to frequently asked Medicaid Waiver questions.
Is Medicaid Accepted By All Assisted Living Communities?
Unfortunately not.
A majority of assisted living communities do not accept Medicaid, so it’s important to ask these questions when beginning the search for assisted living.
How Should I Get Started?
You can apply for Medicaid online, over the phone, or in person. In addition to the application, approval requires an interview and collecting a variety of documents. This can be a lengthy, confusing process that can take up to 90 days to determine eligibility.
Many assisted living communities require residents to have already been approved for Medicaid before moving in. This puts extra stress on families.
But Silver Birch is different.
At all nine of our Indiana locations, we have Eligibility Coordinators whose primary responsibilities are to:
- Answer your Medicaid questions
- Assist with the application process
- Work with all parties involved in the approval process
- Provide guidance and updates
- Help with the move-in process
You don’t have to do this alone. From initial questions to calling that new apartment home, your eligibility coordinator is with you every step of the way.
If you have questions about Medicaid and assisted living or would like to learn more about Silver Birch, contact us today.