Medicaid and nursing home care: Do you qualify for your care to be paid?

Most retirees don't have a clear understanding of "Medicaid," and how it is different from Medicare. Medicare is hospital insurance for older Americans, provided by the federal government. Generally speaking, qualifications include being 65 years old and you, or your spouse, having worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years. There are other eligibility nuances, but space keeps me from going into detail.Many think it is Medicare that pays the bill for older adults who have to live in a nursing home. This is incorrect. It is Ohio Medicaid that picks up the cost for older adults who need, but cannot afford to pay to live in, a nursing home. At $70,000/year it's easy to see how a limited number of people are able to afford this type of care for very long — if at all.To qualify for Ohio Medicaid to pay for nursing home care, one must meet specific financial eligibility criteria. To qualify, your income and your assets (assets are your home, savings, investments, checking account, IRAs, other property/real estate) are reviewed by a Medicaid caseworker to determine if you are eligible for Medicaid to pay for your nursing home care.Medicaid financial eligibility is also very nuanced. The eligibility rules are different for an individual who is single/unmarried versus an individual who is married. Simply speaking, provisions are made for married couples so the spouse who is ill/frail can live in the nursing home, while the healthy spouse, can remain living at home.If you are interested in developing your understanding Medicaid eligibility for long term care, I invite you to attend "Understanding Medicaid Eligibility for Long Term Care." The seminar will be 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Serving Our Seniors, 310 E. Boalt St., Sandusky. Medicaid caseworkers from Erie County Department of Job & Family Services, Stephanie Funderwhite, Kim Leibacher and supervisor, Angela Holbrook-Habeck, will explain financial eligibility for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care and answer your questions. Seating is limited to 13.To reserve your seat, register by July 22, to Serving Our Seniors, 419-624-1856 or Mail@ServingOurSeniors.org. Leave your name, phone number and the name of this event, "Understanding Medicaid Eligibility for Long Term Care." If you are unable to participate in the July 24 discussion, this will be offered again Wednesday, Aug. 21, and Wednesday, Sept. 18.Q: I'll turn 65 years old next month. I'm going to retire and need help selecting a Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan). Can I purchase that now? Or do I have to wait for open enrollment in October?A: You should not delay purchasing a Medicare Part D plan, if you want to avoid the financial penalty for failing to obtain Medicare Part D, once you became eligible at age 65 - unless you have prescription drug coverage that is as good or better than Medicare Part D. For example, if you have the VA pharmacy benefit, you do not need to concern yourself with finding a Medicare Part D plan. Erie County residents who would like help comparing and contrasting the various prescription drug plans to find the most economical for your circumstances, should call our office and request an appointment, 419-624-1856. We do not sell insurance nor do we care from whom you purchase your insurance. We are consumer advocates. We simply want you to understand your options and the extent to which you will be covered – and at what cost.Q: Is there anything that can help a senior citizen to maintain their driving skills?A: Serving Our Seniors will be holding a dinner forum on that very topic. Mark your calendar for 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug 20, for a seminar called "Aging & Driving: What You Ought To Know To Keep Your Keys Longer." A $10 refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat/meal. Refunds will be made immediately after the event has concluded. Call Brenda at Serving Our Seniors, 419-624-1856, for more information.