If you are a Texas resident, you know how expensive Assisted Living homes, Independent Living communities, and other types of accommodations for older adults can be. The high cost of long-term care services in the area is quite a problem for elderly people who are mostly jobless and with limited retirement benefits. On the same note, most health insurance policies of a private nature do not cover or accommodate long-term care unless the coverage is specifically for long-term care. On the bright side, the government understands the plight of the elderly and has since come up with different ways to help them. That includes sustainable federal insurance programs like Medicaid. Does Medicaid pay for independent living in Texas? Well, the answer is a resounding yes.
Medicaid provides funding that can cover expenses for extended care in Independent Living, Assisted Living or nursing homes for golden-age adults who require expert assistance and nursing care.
Understanding Medicaid for Texans
The insurance plan is sustained by funds from state and federal resources. It is designed to offer health coverage to four million or so low-income residents in Texas. The program also covers long-term care needs for older adults. However, there are some requirements that you are expected to meet before being eligible for Medicaid if you are a Texan.
To begin with, you must be a U.S. citizen or possess the right immigration status. Likewise, you should be able to prove that you are a Texas resident. Again, every applicant under long-term care should be at least 65 years old. Moreover, there are medical requirements that the applicant should satisfy depending on the level of assisted care they require.
For instance, the ideal candidate should require assisted care for 30 days consecutively. Next are income limitations, where Medicaid applicants in Texas must deposit a certain amount of money in a Miller Trust. The monthly income, including SSI payments, annuities, veteran’s benefits, pensions, social security benefits, and the applicant’s wages, should not exceed $2,523.
The limit amount will be higher, settling at about $3,500 if the candidate is married and both need long-term care services. There are also asset limitations that the Medicaid applicant must meet. Any asset valued at $585,000 or below is excepted from resource calculation.
Medicaid for Independent Living Homes
Independent Living homes offer a unique living arrangement for elders; they have apartments where they can live autonomously and interact with their peers besides accessing different amenities for their day-to-day living. These communities also offer support and assistance for disabled adults. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge comes in the form of affording the housing units as well as the medical, workout and recreational services offered by providers.
As much as Independent Living is beneficial for their well-being, many older adults do not have the financial muscle to sustain their stay for a long time. That is where Medicaid chips in. Elderly folks who qualify for the program get the funding they need to take care of expenses required by Independent Living communities in Texas.
Independent Living hosts a ton of benefits for older adults. That includes the opportunity to socialize and make new friends in addition to enhanced nutrition and a wellness-focused living arrangement. The funding offered by Medicaid makes it easy for vulnerable elderly folks to enjoy these services.
