Will Medicaid stop paying for my grandmother's assisted living facility if we take her out for the weekend or out for dinner?
Missing grandma asked...
My grandmother is in a nursing home and is suffering from dementia. Will Medicaid stop paying for her care if we take her out on weekend getaways or out for dinner once a week?
Expert Answer
Joseph L. Matthews is a Caring.com Expert, an attorney, and the author of Long-Term Care: How to Plan & Pay for It and Social Security, Medicare, & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits.
Absolutely not. In determining someone's income to decide whether they qualify for Medicaid, substantial regular non-cash contributions from family, for example in the form of rent-free housing or daily meals and all clothing, is sometimes considered. But even regularly taking your grandmother out of the nursing home for a family visit or getaway, or for a meal, does not amount to "income" and would not disqualify her for Medicaid coverage of her nursing home care.