Month: September 2024

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Medicaid

Is Medicaid Income Or Asset Based?

Is Medicaid Income or Asset Based?

Medicaid eligibility is based on both income and assets. Individuals must meet specific income limits and have limited assets to qualify for Medicaid. However, most people don’t know that they can qualify regardless through the implementation of Medicaid compliant financial planning strategies. Utah Senior Planning specializes in financial planning specific to Medicaid preparation. We will help you determine current eligibility and how to become eligible if you otherwise aren’t currently.

INCOME

Income includes various sources such as wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and pensions. The limits for income really just depend on the private pay rate for the facility that the individual applying for Medicaid is in. 

The average private pay rate per month for nursing facilities in Utah is $6,938 with some facilities charging upwards of $10,000+ a month for care. 

If you are married and your combined income is above the private pay rate of the facility, you still may qualify. We will help you determine eligibility and implement the appropriate financial planning strategies so that you may still qualify. 

ASSETS

Assets include savings, investments, real estate, vehicles, and valuable possessions. However, there are certain caveats to these asset limits. Some assets are exempt and excluded from Medicaid’s asset limit. Utah Senior Planning helps clients understand and navigate the Medicaid application process by helping clients gather all the necessary documentation, implement Medicaid compliant asset spend down strategies, asset protection strategies, applying for Medicaid, etc.

Normally, Medicaid’s asset limit is $2000, which is why it is very important to have experts available who understand how to navigate the system in order to preserve assets and save money long term.

Utah Senior Planning provides comprehensive support in navigating these complexities, from determining eligibility to applying for Medicaid, ensuring that clients can secure the necessary care without undue financial burden.

Categories
Medicaid

Will Medicaid Pay For Outstanding Medical Bills From Before I Was Approved For Medicaid?

Will Medicaid Pay For Outstanding Medical Bills From Before I Was Approved For Medicaid?

If the services were provided prior to the month that Medicaid benefits begin

A copy of the itemized bill will need to be submitted to DWS. If the bills is approved, it will be applied toward the Share of Cost until the bill is fully paid. During this time, the Share of Cost will be paid to the provider of the services instead of the facility.

If the services were provided after or during the month that Medicaid benefits begin

The PID (also known as the Medicaid Number or Member ID) will need to be given to the provider so that they can bill Medicaid directly.

HOW DO I SUBMIT OUTSTANDING BILLS TO MEDICAID?

To submit outstanding bills to Medicaid in Utah, follow these steps: 

  • Gather Required Information: Collect all the necessary information related to the outstanding bill, including the bill itself, any supporting documentation, and your Medicaid identification information. Make copies of the bill and any supporting documents, you can provide these copies to Utah Senior Planning for review and application purposes. It’s essential to keep the original bill for your records. 
 
  • Contact a Medicaid Specialist: By contacting a qualified Medicaid planner professional such as those found at Utah Senior Planning, you can avoid any complications to your application such as unwanted penalties or not qualifying entirely. We will provide consultation and guidance to direct you. 
 
  • Share of Cost Application: If the outstanding bill is approved for reimbursement, the Medicaid office will apply the “new share of cost” to your nursing facility stay. The share of cost refers to the amount you are responsible for paying towards your stay at the nursing facility, based on what you owe and your previous share of cost, Medicaid will adjust the share of cost to pay the remaining portion of the bill. 

Navigating the submission and management of outstanding Medicaid bills can be complex, but with the right guidance, you can ensure your costs are appropriately managed and applied. If you’re unsure how to proceed or want to avoid potential pitfalls, consulting with experts like those at Utah Senior Planning can be invaluable. They can help streamline the process, ensuring that your bills are handled correctly and your share of costs is adjusted accurately, ultimately securing the care and coverage you need.

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Senior Tips

How Can Seniors Stay Mentally Active?

Keeping the Mind Sharp: How Seniors Can Stay Mentally Active

Staying mentally active is crucial for everyone, especially for seniors. Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain not only enhances cognitive function but can also improve emotional health and overall quality of life. This blog explores various activities that can help seniors keep their minds sharp, discussing the cognitive benefits and how these pursuits can be both enjoyable and enriching.

WHY DOES MENTAL ACTIVITY MATTER FOR SENIORS?

As we age, our brains naturally undergo changes that can impact memory, comprehension, and processing speed. However, research shows that mental stimulation can help slow down cognitive decline and even build new neural connections. Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities can boost cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to improvise and find alternate ways of getting a job done.

ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THE MIND SHARP

Brain Games and Puzzles

Crossword puzzles, sudoku, chess, and other strategy games challenge the brain and improve problem-solving skills.

Cognitive Benefits:

These games enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Regular practice can also help delay the onset of dementia symptoms.

Educational Classes

Many community centers, libraries, and universities offer classes tailored to seniors, covering topics from foreign languages to history and computer skills.

Cognitive Benefits:

Learning new subjects or skills can increase neural plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Social Engagement

Participating in social activities, whether in person or virtually, can provide mental stimulation and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Cognitive Benefits:

Social interactions can improve mental health and cognitive functioning by offering emotional support and reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.

Creative Outlets

Engaging in the arts, such as painting, writing, or playing music, encourages creative expression and can be incredibly satisfying.

Cognitive Benefits:

These activities stimulate multiple areas of the brain and can improve areas like creativity and emotional expression, while also enhancing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Physical Exercise

Activities like yoga, tai chi, walking, and swimming are not only good for physical health but also have mental benefits.

Cognitive Benefits:

Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain and has been linked to improved memory and slowed cognitive decline.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Practices such as meditation, tai chi, and yoga emphasize mindfulness, which helps focus the mind and promotes relaxation.

Cognitive Benefits:

These practices can reduce stress, enhance concentration, and improve overall mental well-being.

Maintaining mental acuity is key to enjoying a full and vibrant life in the senior years.

By incorporating a variety of mentally stimulating activities into your daily routine, you can enjoy the dual benefits of keeping your mind sharp and enhancing your overall well-being. Remember, it’s never too late to start engaging in new activities and every little bit helps in maintaining cognitive health.

Categories
Medicaid

What Is The Difference Between Nursing Home Medicaid And Community Medicaid?

What Is The Difference Between Nursing Home Medicaid And Community Medicaid?

Nursing home Medicaid and community Medicaid are both programs that fall under the umbrella of Medicaid, but they serve different purposes and have different eligibility requirements.

NURSING HOME MEDICAID

Nursing home Medicaid, also known as Long-Term Care Medicaid, provides coverage for individuals who require skilled nursing care or long-term care services in a nursing home facility. This program helps cover the costs of nursing home care for eligible individuals who meet the specific criteria set by their state’s Medicaid program. The eligibility criteria typically include meeting certain medical and functional requirements, as well as meeting the financial eligibility criteria, which includes an asset limit. 

 
COMMUNITY MEDICAID

Community Medicaid, also referred to as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid, provides coverage for individuals who need long-term care services but wish to receive those services in their own homes or community settings rather than in a nursing home facility. Community Medicaid allows individuals to receive support services that help them remain in their homes and communities while receiving the necessary care. Services covered under community Medicaid can include personal care assistance, home health care, adult day care, respite care, and other community-based services. 

 

The main difference between nursing home Medicaid and community Medicaid lies in the setting where the care is provided. Nursing home Medicaid is designed for individuals who require care in a skilled nursing facility, while community Medicaid allows individuals to receive care and support services in their own homes or community settings. 

Understanding the key differences between Nursing Home Medicaid and Community Medicaid helps you decide which program best meets your needs, whether you require intensive care in a nursing facility or support services in your own home. Both programs are tailored to provide essential care but are designed for different environments and care situations. If you or a loved one are considering Medicaid for long-term care, consulting with a Medicaid specialist can provide clarity and assist in navigating these options effectively.