Medicaid and You
Assisted Living is expensive.
Medicaid can cover a significant portion of assisted living costs if you meet both the medical and financial eligibility requirements.
Step 1:
Contact SAIL 888-471-1332.
SAIL is the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Haines. They will help to determine if you qualify and direct you to the appropriate agencies.
An individual must qualify in two ways:
1) You must be financially eligible to receive Medicaid* (or be interested in pursuing eligibility) and
2) You must be functionally eligible by meeting Level of Care determined through an assessment by Senior & Disability Services.
*If your retirement or social security income exceeds the Medicaid allowable limit, you can establish a Miller Trust to qualify for Medicaid. This type of trust enables individuals to become eligible for Medicaid despite having an income above the set limits. It’s important that the trust document is prepared by an attorney. A Miller Trust is applicable only when a person's regular income surpasses the Medicaid threshold; it cannot assist someone with excessive assets. Faulkner Banfield in Juneau is available to provide assistance with this process.
There are many individuals who require help and assistance in their home to remain independent but not everyone meets Level of Care determination.
Level of Care determination means that someone requires skilled nursing care and/or requires hands-on-assistance to complete activities of daily living such as: re-positioning in bed, moving from bed to chair, walking, eating, bathing and toileting, or has significant challenges with thinking/cognition.
The question to ask is: “If not for significant supportive services, might I otherwise need to receive my care in a facility?”
If you think the answer is yes, then one of these waivers may work for you.
Step 2:
Apply for Medicaid with Department of Public Assistance. SAIL can direct you to the appropriate agency.
Apply for a medical evaluation from Senior & Disability Services to determine if you qualify for a Medicaid Waiver. SAIL can direct you to the appropriate agency.
The process takes 4-6 months. It is recommended that you start applying when your savings reaches approx. $50,000.