Medicaid Assisted Living Facilities

Medicare and Medicaid are two separate, government-run health insurance programs that help seniors pay for healthcare services. Medicare is available to people who are 65+ and in some cases under 65 (depending on their health conditions). Medicaid is available to people of all ages who have low income or meet other eligibility requirements.

It is important to check with the community you are interested in to make sure they accept your specific Medicare or Medicaid plan. In this blog, we will discuss the coverage of both Medicare and Medicaid in assisted living communities.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term care that provides seniors with assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. It is an intermediate level of care between independent living and nursing home care. Assisted living communities also offer social activities, meals, and transportation services to residents.

To qualify for assisted living, you must be at least 18 years of age and require assistance with two or more activities of daily living. However, most patients in an assisted living community are seniors who are unable to live independently but do not need the 24-hour skilled care provided in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility.

How is Assisted Living Different from Independent Living or In-Home Care?

Assisted Living: 

In assisted living, residents live in their own apartments or rooms and receive help with activities of daily living, as well as social and transportation services. Assisted living communities typically provide three meals a day, laundry and housekeeping services, and 24-hour caregiver staff.

Independent Living: 

In independent living, residents live in their own apartments or rooms and are responsible for their own care. They may receive some services, such as meals, transportation, or housekeeping. However, most independent living communities do not offer a 24-hour support staff.

In-Home Care: 

In-home care takes place in your home. A caregiver goes to the senior’s home to provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. In-home care can also include homemaking services, such as cooking and cleaning.

Average Cost For Assisted Living

The average cost for a private room in an assisted living community is $43,000 per year. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the location and size of the community. This is because there are a lot of factors that go into the cost of assisted living, such as the level of care required, room size, and amenities offered.

Government-funded assisted living communities typically have more restrictions on who can live there. They often require that the individual be at least 65 years old and have a disability that requires the level of care provided in an assisted living community.

There are assisted living communities that accept Medicare and Medicaid. However, the number of communities that accept both programs is limited. This is because most assisted living communities are private pay. This means that they do not receive any government funding and can only accept private pay residents.

There are a few Medicaid waiver programs that will cover the cost of assisted living for those who qualify. These programs are very limited and have strict eligibility requirements. For example, many of these programs require the individual to be at least 65 years old and have a disability that requires the level of care provided in an assisted living community.

If you or your loved one is interested in an assisted living community, it is important to research the cost carefully. This way you can be sure that you are getting the best value for your money.

Medicare & Assisted Living

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 years of age or older, people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living. However, it may cover some of the costs associated with in-home care, such as skilled nursing services and home health aides. Medicare may also cover some short-term stays in an assisted living community but only if these stays are for rehabilitation after a hospital stay.

What exactly does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers a variety of services, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. It also covers some services that are specific to seniors, such as dental care and eye exams. The reason why Medicare does not cover assisted living is that it is not considered to be a medical necessity.

 

Will Medicare Advantage Cover Assisted Living?

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and they contract with Medicare to provide all of the benefits that Original Medicare covers, plus additional benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for assisted living such as for rehabilitation after a hospital stay, but it is not required of them to do so. 

Medicaid & Assisted Living

Medicaid is a government program that helps pay for medical expenses for people who have low incomes and limited resources. Medicaid does not cover all of the costs associated with assisted living, but it can help pay for some services, such as room and board, personal care, and prescription drugs.

There are many types of Medicaid programs, so you will need to contact your state’s Medicaid office to find out if your loved one is eligible for coverage. In most states, eligibility depends on the person’s age, income, and assets.

Does Minnesota Medicaid Cover Assisted Living?

Minnesota Medicaid does not cover assisted living, but there are other programs that may be available to help pay for this type of care. For example, the Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) program is a Medicaid waiver program that offers financial assistance for seniors who need long-term care.

Does Wisconsin Medicaid Cover Assisted Living?

Wisconsin Medicaid does not cover assisted living, but there are other programs that may be available to help pay for this type of care. For example, the Wisconsin Elderly Waiver (EW) program is a Medicaid waiver program that offers financial assistance for seniors who need long-term care.

There are also many private companies that offer insurance policies specifically for assisted living costs. It is important to research your options and compare policies before choosing one.

Some assisted living communities offer sliding scale fees based on income, and some families find creative ways to fund assisted living costs, such as through life insurance policies or reverse mortgages. Whatever option you choose, be sure to ask a lot of questions and get all the information you need to make the best decision for you or your loved one.

What is Custodial Care in Assisted Living?

Custodial care in assisted living is defined as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including dressing, grooming, bathing, using the toilet, and eating. These services are typically provided by a personal care attendant.

Custodial care is important because it enables residents to live as independently as possible. It also allows them to stay in the community and avoid a move to a nursing home.

Does Medicare Cover Custodial Care?

Medicare does not cover custodial care in assisted living. This type of care is considered to be a personal care service, and Medicare does not pay for personal care services.

Does Medicaid Cover Custodial Care?

Medicaid covers custodial care in most states. However, the coverage varies from state to state. In some states, Medicaid will only pay for custodial care if it is provided in a nursing home. In other states, Medicaid will pay for custodial care in an assisted living community.

Final Thoughts

Assisted living communities can be a great option for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not want to live in a nursing home. If you are considering an assisted living community, be sure to ask about the availability of Medicare and Medicaid coverage. This type of coverage can help offset some of the costs associated with assisted living. 

 

For more information about Medicare and Medicaid assisted living communities, you can reach one of our assisted living facilities and a team member will be happy to assist you.