When it comes to Medicaid coverage for assisted living facilities in Florida, there is good news and bad news. The good news is if you or a loved one qualify for or are already on Medicaid, it will help pay for an assisted living facility. The bad news is, getting these benefits can be complicated.
What is an assisted living facility?
There’s good news and bad news when it comes to aging, too. If we’re lucky, we’ll reach a point where we get to stop working, and enjoy all the long-term benefits of years on the job. We’ll have the chance to relax, travel, and spend time with friends and family. Hopefully we’ll also benefit from the wisdom that also comes with age. Additionally, we hope we have the money to afford the costs. If you do not then you need to learn more on getting Medicaid coverage for assisted living facilities.
But aging also brings frailty, too. Inevitably, our health will decline, and we won’t be able to do the things that once came so easily. In other words, we will all need help with daily living activities at some point.
For many Florida residents, that’s when an assisted living facility may become an option. Along with a place to live, elderly residents at these facilities get help with daily living activities such as getting dressed, mobility, managing medication and so on.
Of course all of this comes at a cost. Just two years ago, the average cost for assisted living in Florida was $3,500 per month. The monthly cost for assisted living across the state ranged from $2,836 per month to $5,375 per month.
Eligibility for Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living Facilities
In addition to being on or eligible for Medicaid, you must be able to qualify for financial help for assisted living facility costs through the state’s Medicaid Long-Term Care Managed Care (LTCMC) plans.
Eligibility is based on physical/cognitive assessments, medical necessity and financial criteria. Concerning the former, you must be able to demonstrate that: 1) your condition warrants placement in a nursing home so you could receive 24-hour skilled care. Alternatively, you must be able to prove that placement in a nursing home would be necessary if you weren’t getting supportive long-term care services. This is generally determined through a comprehensive assessment administered by the state Department of Elder Affairs. This assessment, coupled with information from your medical team, will also determine whether an assisted living facility is medically necessary.
There are two ways to qualify financially for Medicaid coverage for assisted living facilities. You automatically qualify if you are getting supplemental security income (SSI). Otherwise, you must meet state income and asset standards. In 2022, the individual income limit for an applicant is $2,523 per month. For couples, when both parties are applying, the joint income limit is $5,046 / month. The asset limit for a single applicant was $2,000, and the limit for a married couple, with both spouses applying, was $3,000.
Contact an experienced Medicaid Assisted Living Facility Attorney Today
We understand that applying for Medicaid coverage for an assisted living facility is a complicated process. If you are intimidated or overwhelmed, we can help. Simply fill out the form on our website or call us at 727-260-2581 to schedule a free phone consultation appointment with attorney John Frazier, today.
Not ready to schedule your free phone consultation. No worries. Do be sure to review the free eBooks for you to download now on Elder Law topics before you go.
Also don’t be worried about your loved one being trapped on the assisted living Medicaid waitlist. Read this article on how to deal with the waitlist right now.