May
29
Common Myths about Kansas and Missouri Medicaid
Filed Under Kansas and Missouri Medicaid | 2 Comments
Medicaid was considered a complicated program when President Lyndon B. Johnson first signed it into law at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, and it has grown even more complex during each of the thirty years since.
Although it is a national program, it is administered by each state. The rules and regulations are constantly changing and can vary widely from state to state. So, it’s no wonder there are many myths and inaccuracies surrounding the program.
Today, we are taking a look at the common misconceptions we hear frequently about Kansas and Missouri Medicaid. [Continue Reading...]
Apr
28
Know the Differences Between Medicare and Kansas and Missouri Medicaid
Filed Under Kansas and Missouri Medicaid, Kansas and Missouri Medicare | Leave a Comment
People often confuse the Medicare program with the Medicaid program. There are major differences between these separate and distinct programs.
Medicare is the federally-funded health insurance program designed to provide health care services primarily to individuals over the age of 65. Recent changes to the program have expanded benefits through Medicare managed plans. However, long-term custodial nursing home benefits have never been part of either managed care or traditional Medicare plans. [Continue Reading...]
Dec
28
You May THINK You Know Kansas and Missouri Medicaid…
Filed Under Kansas and Missouri Medicaid | 1 Comment
By now, most everyone knows the basics of Medicaid starting with the fact that a single person can qualify once their assets have been spent down to $2000 in Kansas, $999 in Missouri and a married couple can qualify their spouse for benefits once they have spent down one-half of their total assets, with a maximum of $101,640. However, the rules for Medicaid qualification (which vary by state) are much more complex than most people realize. Often times nursing home residents needlessly sell property and spend down their assets in order to pay their nursing home bill, when in fact, they could have qualified for benefits without
selling anything nor spending a dime! [Continue Reading...]
Dec
23
Personal Care Contracts
Filed Under Kansas and Missouri Medicaid, Kansas and Missouri Nursing Homes | Leave a Comment
Millions of Americans are currently caring for an elderly family member or friend, without receiving compensation. Depending on the circumstances, however, it may actually be beneficial for both parties to enter into a care contract wherein the caregiver accepts payment for the care they are providing their loved one and also formally assumes responsibility for that care.
For loved ones still at home
If the loved one you are caring for reaches a point where nursing home placement is the only option, all of their money will be considered available to pay for their care at the nursing home and they will not be eligible for Medicaid assistance until all of their assets have been depleted. Certainly the care they were provided by you, while they remained in the community, is just as valuable to them and worthy of payment as that they will be provided in the nursing home. With a care contract in place, they can pay their caregiver, and every penny spent will count towards their “Medicaid spend down” should they apply for benefits.
It is important to note that without a proper contract in place, Medicaid will assume the money paid is a “gift” or a “transfer of assets” and will impose penalties resulting in ineligibility for Medicaid benefits. [Continue Reading...]