How to Switch Nursing Homes for a Loved One That Is on Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal program providing low-income individuals with health insurance. Every state has certain income and asset guidelines to determine eligibility. In some cases, Medicaid will pay for disabled Medicare recipients in financial need to receive nursing home care. If a Medicaid applicant needs to enter a nursing home, but has assets, such as property or a vehicle, they may be required to liquidate their assets to contribute towards the bill. A limited number of nursing homes are willing to accept Medicaid, since the state-funded insurance pays a lower amount than a private- paying individual. If a loved one is in a nursing home and on Medicaid, they may switch to another Medicaid-certified facility.

Instructions

• 1

  Research your loved one's rights. Medicaid and Medicare-certified nursing homes are required to provide skilled nursing care. If you have reason to believe your loved one is being mistreated or not receiving proper care, you may want to consider contacting an attorney and your Medicaid case worker immediately. If you suspect abuse, contact Medicaid. Provide them with your relative's information and case number. Inform the case worker of the situation. Due to the limited number of beds at some facilities, a patient may be placed on a waiting list. Medicaid will pay for a private nurse to offer in-home care while waiting to switch to a different nursing home.

• 2

  Keep records. To assist in the transfer process, it is best to be able to provide the potential nursing home with the patient's records and reports from doctors and the current nursing home. The nursing home will need to know the level of care the patient needs before accepting the patient.

• 3

  Contact Medicaid-certified nursing homes. You can find a list of nursing homes that accept Medicaid by contacting the Medicaid Options office in your district. Visit Medicare.gov to find Medicaid and Medicare-certified nursing homes. There is a feature on the website that allows you to compare multiple nursing homes in your area. Your loved one's doctor may even be able to refer you to a nursing home accepting Medicaid. When you find a suitable nursing home, call them for an interview. They will ask for the patient's information, records and Medicaid identification number. All information and eligibility will need to be verified. If you are transferring your loved one to a nursing home in a different state, you will need to meet that state's eligibility requirements. Approval may take up to 45 days. Once approved, the transfer will be put into effect.