Medicaid And Assisted Living In Indiana

It’s no secret that assisted living can be expensive. Additionally, with a 4.65% increase between 2020 and 2021, chances are the costs will continue to rise. This high price tag creates significant stress as families consider what to do next.

Thankfully, there are a variety of financial options available.

According to the Genworth Cost Of Care Survey, the average monthly cost is $4,500.

One of the most common solutions in Indiana is Medicaid, which has provided individuals with a safety net for decades. However, the process and eligibility requirements can be confusing. If you or a loved one are considering moving into an assisted living community but worry about the costs, here are answers to some of the most common questions.

Medicaid eligibility coordinator assisting with paperwork

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is state-funded insurance for people with limited income. It can help cover a variety of healthcare costs.

Although the two are often confused with each other, Medicaid and Medicare are not the same. Medicare provides coverage to individuals who are 65 or older.

Who Is Eligible For Medicaid?

A wide variety of Hoosiers have the potential to be eligible for Medicaid:

Adults with a low income
Children
Pregnant women
People who are 65 or older
People who have disabilities

Does Medicaid/Medicaid Waiver Cover Assisted Living?

Yes, Medicaid can cover the nursing services provided by assisted living communities.

The services needed will vary from person to person, but these are often referred to as activities of daily life (ADLs). This can include eating, bathing, dressing, medication, personal grooming and hygiene, and more.

Medicaid may also cover physical necessities such as walking devices, power chairs, and hearing aids.

For those who need a little extra help, a senior living community can provide the necessary support while also allowing residents to enjoy their independence.

However, it’s important to remember that Medicaid does not cover everything. The biggest example of this is room and board. Even if a resident has Medicaid, rent will need to be paid out of pocket or through another source.

Medicaid eligibility coordinator talking to residents.

Do All Assisted Living Communities Accept Medicaid?

Unfortunately not.

In general, Medicaid is not accepted by many assisted living communities. This might mean the list of options in your area could be significantly limited. When considering a community, ask about Medicaid early in the process.

Here at Silver Birch, we accept Medicaid at all nine of our locations spread across Indiana. In some areas, we may be the only community that does so.

To help potential residents and their families navigate through the process, we have a team of compassionate, experienced eligibility coordinators.

What Is An Eligibility Coordinator?

Making the decision to move a loved one from their home into an assisted living community is a difficult, emotional, and complicated choice.

You shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Silver Birch has a team of eligibility coordinators who will walk with you through the process. From initial questions to move-in and beyond, they are your go-to resource and guide.

This creates frequent opportunities to help families through a challenging transition.

It makes my day,” said Quenita Brown, Eligibility Coordinator at Silver Birch of Mishawaka. “If I can make somebody else happy, my job is done. It’s not about sitting behind this desk. It’s not about numbers.

How Do I Apply For Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid online, over the phone, or in person. It may take up to 90 days to determine eligibility.

However, this process can be confusing and time consuming. For additional help, an eligibility coordinator can guide you through the process.

What Are Other Frequently Asked Questions?

It’s also common to ask about specific assets, situations, and waivers.

How Much Money Can I Have In The Bank?

Here in Indiana, the dollar amount to remember is $2,000.

However, this number includes more than just the amount of money in a bank account. It also includes assets such as life insurance or a second car. When applying for Medicaid, the total amount of cash and assets must be below $2,000 on the first of the month.

For individuals with an income over the Medicaid eligibility limit, a Miller trust is another option to consider.

Before making any financial decisions, it can be helpful to discuss your situation with an eligibility coordinator.

Can I Own A Car?

Owning a car does not automatically disqualify someone from Medicaid. One vehicle may be considered exempt.

Can I Own A Home?

Depending on your situation, the Medicaid office may request that you sell the home you own.

There are also other factors to consider. For example, if a spouse or caregiver also lives in the house, you may not need to sell.

Is Having Medicaid Required Before Moving In?

Not necessarily.

Before moving in, residents without Medicaid must be approved for an Assisted Living Waiver through the local Division of Aging. This is another part of the process that an eligibility coordinator can assist with.

The Assisted Living Waiver is a state-funded program that allows Medicaid to pay for nursing services at an assisted living community.

Additionally, some residents may begin paying out of pocket and then transition to Medicaid in the future.

Silver Birch sign

How Do I Get Started?

To learn more about Silver Birch, including our room features and life enrichment activities, or ask questions about Medicaid, contact the location that is nearest to you: