Did you know that for many older adults they can actually qualify for assistance and don’t even realize it. We all know that costs are rising, and the cost of care is no exception.
Many people share with me that they worry about how their family will be able to afford the future or current care needs for the older adult in their lives.
But what’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for anyone, age 65 or older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions.
Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.
Medicaid in many states also can help pay for long-term care, and the good news is we can help navigate this concern. Each year eligibility for Medicaid changes. Some states such as California have made it easier to qualify, especially if the older adult has a medical need that requires help with care, such as needing help with bathing, or perhaps they have dementia, and it’s no longer safe for them to be home unsupervised.
Even if a person is over the income limits for state assistance there may be options such as what’s called a medically needy pathway or an income only trust just to name a couple. It is a lot to navigate, and you don’t have to do this alone. We can help determine if an older adult might qualify, and we can also guide and support you through the whole process. I hope this is helpful.
I hope you find joy in loving one another well.
