For many people, aging is a frightening process. Even at age 54, I'm a little concerned about our ability to provide for our needs once we're too old to work. I can only imagine what it's like for those on a fixed income, hearing about the prices of everything going up and up. Fortunately, we have Medicaid, so, in our old age, if we need care we can't afford, the care will be provided. This article is about how to qualify for Medicaid and the reasoning behind those qualifications.

The Reason For Medicaid: One of the biggest fears on the minds of most seniors is the fear of running out of money before running out of time. What an ugly thing to think about. When I was a chaplain in an assisted living facility, I met a number of people who had done this, and I had the privilege of helping one woman through the transition after her assets ran out. There are many assisted living centers available who only charge what Medicaid pays. It isn't luxurious living, but it's there if we need it. That's the reason for Medicaid, so we won't have to worry about running out of money before time.

Contract With The Taxpayer: In order to make Medicaid a reality, everyone who works is taxed a portion of their earnings, to pay the costs, with the understanding that, if they need it, Medicaid will be there for them. The contract is, you will be taxed to pay the medical and living expenses of those who cannot work and have no assets. In other words, for those who actually NEED help. To take money from working parents who are barely meeting their own needs to pay the bills of someone who could pay their own, is obscene and immoral, if not illegal.

Medicaid Abuse: In fact, there are many who make a tidy sum, helping elderly people hide their assets so they can use Medicaid instead of paying their own way. Oh, the lawyers say "preserve," rather than hide, but it amounts to the same thing. I've known people who did this with $ millions in assets. Now you know the kinds of friends I've had! There are doctors and lawyers who will help do this, and it may pass the legal hurtles of our government bureaucracy, but you and I know this is Medicaid abuse.

Medicaid Qualifications: The Medicaid program is to provide your needs when you can no longer do so, yourself. The specific qualifications vary from state-to-state, so I'm going to give you a general description, but here's a link to specific Medicaid qualifications for your state. A single senior can own a home as long as they live there, but once in assisted living, the home is used to pay expenses or to reimburse Medicaid. A small income (or the savings to generate that income) is usually allowed to provide for personal expenses above the cost of care. All other assets would be depleted before qualifying.

If one member of a married couple requires medical and assisted living expenses, the other member can usually keep the house, a car and a monthly income (or savings enough to generate the income) to provide household and personal expenses. All other assets are to be depleted before qualifying for Medicaid.

Although this is a painful and frightening subject, it's good to know a minimum of care is available if we need it. This care isn't something to be aspired to. If you've managed to accumulate any assets beyond the minimum, this program is not for you. There are a wide variety of care options for very reasonable prices. Trust me about this...anyone who loves you enough to be worthy of inheritance would rather you spend every penny getting the best care you can.

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