Medicaid Basics Questions

1. With Medicaid, What Doctors and Other Providers Can I Use?

   For Medicaid to cover any specific medical service, you must receive the care from a doctor or other healthcare provider who participates in Medicaid. Because Medicaid doesn't reimburse doctors and other providers at the same rate as private insurance does, many providers don't treat Medicaid patients...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer

2. How Far Does Medicaid Look Back at Someone's Assets?

   Medicaid rules look back either three years or five years, depending on the date that the transfers were made. The Medicaid "look-back" rules have to do with whether giving away assets, or transferring them for less than full value, will disqualify someone from Medicaid coverage of his or her nursing home costs...
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3. Is Any Help Available to Pay Medicare Costs If My Income and Assets Are a Bit Too High for Medicaid?

   If you have low countable income (which means that your actual income can be much higher) and few assets, not counting your home, a car, and other personal possessions, but your income or assets are slightly too high to qualify for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for another program that provides...
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4. What Medical Services Does Medicaid Cover?

   Every state's Medicaid program covers basic medical care, to the same extent that Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B do. This includes:
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5. Who's Eligible for Medicaid Coverage of Medical Care?

   If you're 65 or older or have a long-term disability, and you have low income and few assets (other than the home you live in), you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage of your medical care. Eligibility rules differ slightly from state to state.
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6. FAQ: Are There Benefits for My Parents if They Pay Me for the Time I Spend Caring for Them?

   Yes, there are many benefits for your parents if they pay you for the time you spend caregiving. But for your parents to get the maximum benefit, you need to report the income and pay taxes on it. Even though this is a hassle, there are many good reasons for your parents to pay you and for you to report that income to the government...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

7. Is the treatment called IVIG (administered through IV) covered by Medicaid?

   Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is regularly used to treat many infections, inflammations, and immune system problems. If used for a medically-approved purpose, Medicaid can cover it. But the issue with Medicaid and IVIG, as with Medicaid and any individual treatment, is whether the treatment is "medically necessary...
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8. How do I protect my parents' home from being taken by the state if they go on public aid?

   Every time you pay your parents’ mortgage, you are making a gift to them. To protect yourself, you should be receiving an increasing percentage ownership interest in their house with every such payment. Otherwise, should your parents eventually need nursing home care and qualify for Medicaidid...
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9. Does Medicaid pay for massage therapy?

   Some massage therapy might be covered by Medicaid (which often provides broader coverage than Medicare does). But Medicaid is not the same in every state. Each state Medicaid program has somewhat different rules about what kinds of medical care are covered and how someone would qualify to receive that care...
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10. Can Mom pay us rent while she's receiving Medicaid?

    It's not clear from your question whether you are worried about applying for Medicaid for yourself or for your mother. In either case, eligibility depends on having low income and few assets other than a home the applicant lives in. The exact amount of income and assets varies a bit from state to state...
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11. I am a caregiver for an aunt with whom I jointly own savings...

    Medicaid coverage (either for medical care or for long-term home or nursing home care) is only for people with low income and few assets. So, if and when your aunt applies for its coverage, Medicaid will look at the total amount of her assets to determine whether they are low enough for her to qualify...
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12. Will Medicaid pay for nursing home care?

    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

13. Is there a way of keeping house while in Medicaid nursing home?

    Usually, yes. In most circumstances, she could move into a nursing home and qualify for Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California) coverage of nursing home costs while still keeping her own house, as long as her other assets and income are below the state's Medicaid eligibility limits...
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14. FAQ: Can Medicaid Coverage Be Retroactive?

    Yes, Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California) medical, home care, and nursing home coverage can be retroactive. If someone is approved for Medicaid, coverage can go back not only to the date of application but also to three months prior to the application. But retroactive coverage is not automatic...
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15. Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?

    In most but not all states, there are special Medicaid programs that can help pay some of the costs of an assisted-living facility. Although assisted living is not part of basic Medicaid coverage, Medicaid now recognizes that for many people it's a better and less expensive alternative than a nursing home...
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16. Do some long-term care insurance policies protect assets when you're applying for Medicaid?

    Yes, there are special "state partnership" long-term care insurance policies in a few states that allow someone to qualify for Medicaid coverage of long-term care while keeping much more in assets than Medicaid rules would normally permit. Those states are California (Medicaid is called Medi-Cal in California...
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17. Does Putting Assets in a Trust Remove Them From Consideration by Medicaid in Terms of Eligibility for Long-Term Care Coverage?

    Some people try to qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage by creating a trust and placing their assets in it. This tactic can only work, however, if the trust totally and permanently ends the person's access to and direct benefits from those assets.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

18. Where can I find a place for my elderly Mother that's safe...

    Programs for low-income seniors exist in almost every state. To qualify, your mother will probably have to meet income guidelines. Some places receive property tax incentives to offer below market rent to low-income seniors. They work on a sliding scale based on income...
    2 Expert Answers, 3 Community Answers

19. How can I find a Medicaid OBGYN?

    In many places it's hard to find a doctor who'll treat Medicaid patients -- as you've found out. That's because Medicaid pays doctors a lower amount per visit than Medicare or private insurance. The Medicaid program itself doesn't provide any simple way to find a doctor, but two other routes may help you out...
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20. What health insurance options are available to someone on Social Security Disability, not yet eligible for Medicare, and whose spouse has no health coverage through her employer?

    Medicaid may be the only health care program available to you both, until you qualify for Medicare. In order to be eligible for Medicaid, you have to have low income and few assets (other than your house and car). The exact rules regarding income vary from state to state, but if your only income...
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