When preparing for a nursing home with Medicaid, a lengthy process is involved to financially qualify for this benefit. Not only is there an application, but Medicaid requires documentation that supports the need to qualify.
With the process, Medicaid requires what is called a “Spend Down,” which basically means that the person who has spent or will need to spend additional monies if they have less than $2,000 in assets. For this, Medicaid will look at all assets including retirement, investments, mineral royalties, savings, etc. Medicaid does an extensive review of these areas and will look back up to five years to assure there are no fraudulent activities.
When working on a spend down, be aware that up to five year’s prior to the time of approval, all assets are used for the care of the individual and not as donations for family members of friends. Farms are not exempt so please plan ahead. There are, however, exemptions for a living spouse that includes a home, care, income, etc.
Emery County Care and Rehabilitation can work to assist individuals with this process if needed.
For more information, please feel free to call us at (435) 384-2301.