What is a community spouse, and how is one eligible for spousal allowance in the event their loved one is moved to a nursing facility? Before we answer, it’s important to first understand cost-sharing in Medicaid and qualifications based on income. Medicaid is a cost-sharing program, meaning that the Medicaid recipient shares in the cost of their care. Each nursing home has its own Medicaid reimbursement rate, or the daily rate that Medicaid pays them for its nursing home residents. The resident contributes a portion of their monthly income, and Medicaid makes up the difference. The resident’s income contribution is [...]

If you are planning to apply for Medicaid, whether for yourself or a loved one, it can be important to be aware of and, if possible, prepare for a Medicaid transfer penalty. If a Medicaid applicant has given away assets, inclusive of cash, bank account transfers, properties and/or vehicles, without receiving fair market compensation within the last five years, the Medicaid caseworker processing the application will impose a Medicaid penalty. What is a Medicaid Transfer Penalty? A Medicaid transfer penalty is a period of time during which Medicaid will not reimburse your long-term care provider for services, including home and [...]