How can I afford assisted living without money? · Medicaid and Medicaid Exemptions · Veterans Benefits · Social Security Retirement Benefits and SSI. Medicaid is one of the most common ways to pay for the Best Care for Seniors near Mesa AZBest Care for Seniors near Mesa AZ when money isn't available. In fact, 62 percent of nursing home residents use Medicaid 4 coverage. Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, but eligible low-income seniors often cover 100 percent of their costs. Seniors who want additional services that are not covered by state Medicaid coverage must pay for them.5 For example, additional social events, a landline phone, or a private room may be included when they don't need them medically.
Medicaid doesn't cover the room and board portion of assisted living costs. However, many states offer Medicaid exemption programs that can help defray the costs of assisted living. These are called Medicaid exemptions for home and community-based services (HCBS) or Medicaid 1915 (c) exemptions. Most families cover the costs of assisted living with private funds, which are usually a combination of Social Security benefits, pension payments and savings accounts and retirement.
There are also some financial tools, retirement benefits for veterans, and government programs that can help defray the costs of assisted living. It will pay for some care services that can be provided in an assisted living environment, but it won't cover the biggest expense, which is room and board, May says. Even if your state doesn't offer financial assistance through Medicaid, you may have another program to help. Because Medicaid is administered by individual states, the benefits covered by assisted living exemptions may vary.
Since each state has its own Medicaid program, coverage will vary, but depending on where you live, Medicaid may pay for certain aspects of assisted living or home care. The cost depends on the location, but it can be more affordable than assisted living, as well as being quieter and more home-like. While assisted living may be a good solution for an older adult who needs help, for some it's not affordable. When it comes to applying for income-based programs, many states and cities provide services that guide families, helping them determine their assets and income and helping them with the application process.
Next, we'll look at the different ways you can pay for assisted living and nursing home care without money. Because Medicaid is designed for low-income people, it's understandable that older adults who have Medicaid have trouble paying for the room and board portion of assisted living expenses. Medicaid doesn't cover the room and board portion of assisted living, which makes up a large part of the costs of assisted living. And just like the support offered to low-income seniors who live alone, federal and state health insurance can help provide home care to supplement family care. While Medicaid covers room and board for nursing home residents, it doesn't pay for room and board in assisted living communities.
Both programs supplement the veterans pension and the survivor's pension to help cover the cost of care. To find nearby assisted living facilities that serve older adults receiving Medicaid, contact your local agency for the elderly or a center for the elderly. Take time to explore assisted living alternatives and learn about what's available for you and your loved ones.
