Can Medicaid pay for nursing home expenses?

Yes. Medicaid can help pay for custodial care in a nursing home. Medicaid in the nursing home has different eligibility rules than with Medicaid in the community. The income and asset tests with nursing home Medicaid are noticeably different. Also, for Medicaid to pay for custodial care, the patient must be considered medically eligible.

Can I give money to my children to qualify for Medicaid?

In most cases, no. Giving away money to qualify for Medicaid is called a divestment.  Someone who divests assets may be put into a penalty period. During this penalty period, the patient would have to privately pay for nursing home care.

Can Medicaid look back at how I spent my finances?

Yes. Medicaid can look back up to 60 months to see if assets were divested.

If I apply for Medicaid, can the state take my home?

No. Currently there is not an estate recovery provision to Medicaid. There is, however, pending state legislation to adopt an estate recovery plan. 

If I apply for Medicaid, do I have to prove my citizenship?

Yes. New federal rules now require anyone applying for Medicaid to provide proof of citizenship.  There are several documents that can satisfy this requirement, including: birth certificate, adoption papers, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certification of Citizenship. For people receiving Medicare, no documentation, other than their Medicare card, is required.

For more information on Medicaid eligibility or long-term care options, call the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B at 1-800-803-7174.