Posted on January 07, 2021
If an individual meets both the health and financial eligibility requirements, Medicaid pays the majority of costs for care services received at home or in a facility. Services provided in the home are under “Medicaid Waiver.”
Medicaid supplements the recipient’s income to pay for the long-term care services provided.
Example - Single Person
If the recipient has a community spouse (CS), the income issue can become very complicated. Special rules apply to ensure the CS has enough income to pay monthly bills by allowing the CS to receive some of the Institutionalized Spouse’s (IS) income. This is called the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance or MMMNA. The Medicaid agency determines a CS's MMMNA.
Example - Married Couple
It is important to remember that this allocation applies ONLY if the CS needs to take income from the IS.
See also: What is Medicaid?, How Do I Qualify for Medicaid?, MEDICARE vs. MEDICAID: What’s the difference? and What Is the 5-Year Look-Back Period for Medicaid?
A more detailed discussion on Medicaid can be found here: Demystifying Medicaid Planning
If you have questions about Medicaid eligibility or have other Elder Law or Estate Planning concerns, please contact one of our Elder Law Attorneys or call (814) 459-2800.
John Bartlett concentrates his practice on elder law, Medicaid planning, estate and trust planning, and estate administration.
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