Does a nursing home take your social security payments?
Answers
Fortunately, the Medicaid rules provide for, what is referred to as a "Community Spouse Income Allowance" in this situation. If your mother's income is not sufficient to meet her needs, Medicaid authorizes her to receive some or even all of her husband's income if the community spouse's (your mother's) income is below the Community Spouse Minimum Monthly Needs Allowance. This amount is adjusted, by law, every year. Presently the amount is $1,750 for every state except Alaska, where it is $2,187.50 and Hawaii, where it is $2,012.50. In addition, she may also be eligible for additional amounts of your father's income through the determination of a Community Spouse Monthly Housing Allowance. Finally, if these amounts as provided by law do not result in your mother having full access to needed income from your father, she can appeal for a higher allowance. She should consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible
