How to Qualify for a Medicaid Nursing Home

When searching for a nursing home, it is important to know that just because a nursing home accepts Medicare does not mean it accepts Medicaid. If you are a Medicaid recipient, you will need to find out which are the Medicaid certified nursing homes in your state. Each state offers its own Medicaid program. You should contact your local Medicaid office or Department of Health and Human Services to obtain an application. In addition to qualifying for Medicaid, you will also need to qualify for the specific nursing home.

Instructions

• 1

  Meet the physical requirements. You must be at least 65 years of age, disabled or blind to receive Medicaid health insurance coverage.

• 2

  Learn the income qualifications for your state. You will not be able to exceed certain income limits unique to your state. For example, an individual in Florida cannot make more than $1635 per month. This includes income from Social Security, disability, pension, interest, dividends and other payment sources. Nursing homes require you to contribute most of your income to the nursing home costs. You can keep a small amount, usually around $50 a month, for personal expenses.

• 3

  Possess no more than the allowed amount of assets. A nursing home resident cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets. This applies nationwide. A spouse of the nursing home resident who still lives in their home is allowed to own half of the couple's joint countable assets up to $109,560 in 2010. The healthy spouse may also keep the first $21,912, even if that number exceeds half of the couple's assets. The amount is subject to change each year based on inflation.

• 4

  Complete a Medicaid application. You can apply for Medicaid by contacting your local Medicaid office. Hospitals and nursing homes can also assist you with the application process. Provide your personal and financial information. Documentation to support your income and assets is required. If you are already in a nursing home, a caseworker is assigned to process applications from the facility. A follow-up interview is usually required to confirm the information on your application.