Housing
spouse’s name do not count. Prenuptial agreements have no affect on exclusions. It is also NOT true that a couple must spend down to $2,000 before one of them can become eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid imposes a waiting period when
assets have been transferred, sold for less than full value, or you cannot account for them. Beginning with February 8, 2011, the “look back” period will be fi ve years. Prior to that date, simply add all transfers beginning with February 8, 2006. Divide the total by $5800 (2017). The result of the division is the number of months of the waiting period, which begins only after you are admitted to the nursing home, and have applied and determined eligible for Nursing Home Medicaid. Giving away, selling for less than full value, or failing to account for assets may result in Medicaid denial based on these transfer rules. Withdrawals of cash for spending for which
you do not have receipts may also result in transfer penalties.
Paying for sitters at home may be penalized
even if they are not paid in cash. Alabama Medicaid now requires that you have a written contract with each sitter (unless the sitter is employed with a company with which you have a contract) and that the sitter keep daily detailed records of all services provided and sign a receipt for each payment received. A detailed written plan of care must be signed by a physician. Do not pay for sitters when you are already in a nursing home with your or your spouse’s money, even if the nursing home demands that you do so. Alabama Medicaid now has a rule stating that paying for sitters while you are in a nursing home will result in a penalty even if you meet all the other requirements for care plans, contracts, receipts and daily records of care. Professional help may be needed to help navigate the complicated nursing home Medicaid rules, particularly for married persons having more than a home, vehicle, burial arrangements or burial money and $27,000.
For nursing home Medicaid, the monthly income limit is $2,205 (2017). If your separate gross income before deductions exceeds this limit, you should contact the local Medicaid offi ce and request a Medicaid Qualifying Income Trust (QIT) form. Follow the instructions to set up a QIT checking account, into which only your monthly
Pine Valley Retirement Community is celebrating 30 years of providing an active retirement lifestyle that offers both Independent and Assisted Living options. A wide variety of amenities and activities lets residents spend time enjoying life instead of worrying about cooking, cleaning, or home maintenance.
Pine Valley is a gated community, nestled on 10 acres of tall pines and flowering gardens, and with our distinct blend of hospitality, comfort, and charm, you are sure to feel right at home.
800 Rice Valley Road, North, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 205-349-8700
Independent and assisted living
www.pinevalleyretcom.com income should be deposited. An unmarried person who is nursing home
Medicaid approved must still pay most of his or her income toward the nursing home bill. A $30 personal needs allowance (and an additional $90 if receiving VA aid and attendance benefi ts) and any health insurance premiums are allowable deductions. Your spouse may choose to keep his or her entire income or claim an additional deduction from your income to bring his or her income up to $2,003 (2017) per month. The spousal limit may increase in July each year. For more information, contact Legal
Counsel for the Elderly at 205-348-4960 or
www.uaelderlaw.org or your local Alabama Medicaid offi ce at 205-391-6760.
ousing
65
65
Celebrating ebrating
of caring every day in every way.
205-333-2990 •
www.westalabamaaging.org
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