Medicaid’s Long-Term Care Program — What You Need to Know

Medicare vs. Medicaid for Nursing Care

Medicare will only help pay for up to 100 days of nursing home or rehabilitation care after you’ve had a qualifying three-day hospital stay. Medicaid, on the other hand, can help you pay for long-term nursing home care year after year if you qualify.

Who Is Eligible

Medicaid’s long-term care program is designed as a safety net and acts as the payer of last resort. To qualify, you must meet specific requirements that often change over time. In Michigan, you must:

• Be age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability
• Meet the state’s Nursing Facility Level of Care criteria
• Stay within strict income and asset limits

Because the rules are complicated, getting professional guidance is important.

Planning Ahead or Facing a Crisis

Nursing home care is costly—typically between $10,000 and $14,000 per month—and prices keep rising.
If you plan ahead, consulting with an elder law attorney can help you protect your finances and prepare for the future. Even if your family is already in a care crisis, it’s not too late. An experienced elder law attorney can still help you reduce the financial burden and qualify for assistance.

Why Having a Plan Matters

• Get the care you or your loved one needs.
• Protect your savings for expenses Medicaid won’t cover.
• Safeguard assets for your spouse.
• Preserve your home and other property from Medicaid’s estate recovery program.
• Enjoy peace of mind knowing your family is protected.

Beware of Well-Meaning but Risky Advice

You may hear from kind friends or family about ways to protect assets and qualify quickly for Medicaid. Unfortunately, even good intentions can cause harm. Medicaid planning involves complex state and federal rules, and mistakes can result in wasted money, denied eligibility, or even legal trouble. Always get help from a qualified elder law attorney who understands the system.

There’s truly no substitute for talking with a Thomas Legal, PLLC attorney about Medicaid long-term care planning. The right guidance will save you time, money, and worry. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building your Medicaid plan.