Medicaid for Elderly Parents: Long-Term Care and How to Apply

What Medicaid covers for elderly parents

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding. For elderly adults, Medicaid can cover:

• Nursing home care
• Assisted living facilities
• Home health services and personal care
• Hospital and doctor visits
• Prescription medications
• Dental care and vision services (varies by state)

Unlike Medicare, which is a federal program for people 65 and older, Medicaid can pay for long-term care services. This is one of the biggest differences for elderly people who need ongoing support.

Income and asset limits

Medicaid has different income and asset rules for elderly adults than it does for younger people. Income limits vary by state, but Medicaid also covers older adults with higher incomes if they need long-term care services.

In addition to income limits, Medicaid has asset limits. Asset limits mean you can only have a certain amount of money and property and still qualify. The rules are complex and vary by state. Some states use special programs that let elderly people protect more assets if they plan ahead.

Because rules differ widely by state, you should check with your state's Medicaid agency to learn the specific limits where your elderly parent lives.

How to apply

You can apply for Medicaid in two ways:

1. Through your state's Medicaid agency: Find your state agency at our state pages or visit your state health department website.
2. Through HealthCare.gov: Go to HealthCare.gov to start an application, which will be sent to your state.

People can apply for Medicaid at any time of year. There is no deadline or enrollment period like there is with Medicare.

The application will ask for information about income, assets, and health needs. You may need to provide pay stubs, bank statements, or other proof of income and assets.

What to expect after applying

After you apply, your state will review the application and decide if your parent qualifies. The time it takes varies by state, but you usually hear back within [VERIFY: typical decision timeline for elderly Medicaid applications].

If approved, your parent will get a Medicaid card and can start using benefits right away. If denied, the agency will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Planning ahead for long-term care

Because Medicaid has asset limits, some families work with an elder law attorney to plan ahead. An attorney can explain legal ways to protect assets while your parent becomes eligible for Medicaid.

These planning strategies are complex and vary by state. An attorney who specializes in elder law can help you understand your options.

Other programs for elderly parents

If your parent is 65 or older and has limited income, they may also qualify for Medicare Savings Programs. These programs help pay for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Remember: Applying for Medicaid is free, and only the state agency decides who qualifies.