Every state provides some type of government-funded health insurance to low-income residents. In Washington state, the Medicaid program is also called Washington Apple Health (or Apple Health, for short). Although this program is available to low-income individuals of any age, many people who are over the age of 65 rely on it for support as they explore their options for long-term care. If you or your aging parents are beginning to create a financial plan for affording long-term care, it’s highly recommended that you speak with a skilled long-term care planning attorney who can help to assess your needs and guide you through your options. In the meantime, let’s take a look at how Medicaid affects your long-term care options in Spokane Valley.
Medicaid Care in Washington State
Essentially, there are three types of Medicaid available to people 65 and older in Washington State. If you intend to move into a nursing home, you may apply for Nursing Home Medicaid. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements—your monthly income must be $2,349 or lower—you should be able to receive coverage. Of course, the income limit varies for married couples, so keep that in mind. Individuals whose monthly income is $2,349 or less who wish to live at home, in an assisted living facility, or in an adult family home may apply for a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver. However, there is a limit on the number of people who may participate in this program, so you may be placed on a waiting list until a spot opens up. Finally, individuals whose monthly income is less than $783 may qualify for Aged Blind and Disabled Medicaid coverage.
Understanding the Community First Choice Option
While Apple Health covers nursing home care costs for qualifying residents of Washington state, there are additional options available for those wishing to remain in their homes while receiving care. In fact, the state recognizes that home care is often less expensive than care in a facility, so it implemented the Community First Choice Option (CFCO) program to offer personal care assistance, in-home care, personal emergency response systems, and other services to individuals who are aging in place at home. Through this program, individuals are able to select their own care providers, some of whom may be trusted relatives. Other programs that offer similar services include the Nurse Delegation Program, Washington Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC), and the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES).
Determining Your Medicaid Eligibility in Spokane Valley
It can be difficult for you to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. The website can be unintuitive and confusing to navigate, leaving you with more questions than answers. If you are thinking about your long-term care planning options and you want to have a clearer understanding of what types of financial assistance are available to you, reach out to a knowledgeable long-term care planning attorney who can walk you through your options. Before you commit to a long-term care plan, you need to be certain that you’ll be able to afford it. Let your attorney assess the specifics of your situation so that you can plan for a future that you’ll be able to enjoy, both emotionally and financially.
Interested in learning more about Medicaid Eligibility requirements in the Spokane Valley area? Contact Legacy Law Group today at (509) 315-8087 to speak with a dedicated elder law and long-term care planning attorney.
