Who Pays for Senior Care?

Who Actually Pays for Senior Care?

There are many myths surrounding the cost of care for senior and who is going to pay for it. I hope this information will help clarify some of your questions.

What about The Cost of Eldercare?

Medicare

Medical insurance for people over 65. Like medical insurance, it covers doctors visits, hospital care, short term rehabilitation services, and care, hospice, and drugs – any costs related to the treatment of an illness or condition.

MediCal

Also known in most states as Medicaid, is national medical insurance that covers long term care. It pays for care for people who have run out of money and cannot afford private pay. It ONLY pays for nursing homes/convalescent homes. In California, there is a shortage of beds paid for by MediCal and therefore, seniors go on a waiting list for a MediCal bed.

Converting to MediCal

Facilities are prohibited from transferring or discharging residents who have made a timely application for MediCal and for whom an eligibility determination has not been made. In addition, facilities are prohibited from transferring the resident to a different room because of that payment change, except that the resident may be transferred from a private room to a semi-private room (Cal. Welfare & Institutions Code §14124.7). ALL other types of retirement living are PRIVATE PAY. Seniors pay for assisted living, memory care, independent living, and residential care homes with private pay, from savings/investments, retirement income, long term care insurance, and/or VA Aid and Attendance. These types of care facilities do not work with the government to collect the board and care monthly charges and that’s why they are only private pay.

VA AID and ATTENDANCE

Financial assistance program for veterans and surviving spouses of veterans. If you are living in an assisted living community or receiving professional home care, and are a veteran by their definition, you are eligible for between $1000 and $2000 per month.

As always, I’m here to answer questions and provide you information on any type of senior resource.

Categories: Senior Care Expenses