I am off work for the time being, still employed, but I am considering a permanent facility for the care of my husband. He cannot be left alone at home, he is able to get dressed and shower and shave by himself. He is taking his medications and eating fine, but I cannot afford to retire at this time. What are the qualifications as far as medicaid goes for the permanent facility. What exactly do they take into consideration to qualify him for this nursing home? And what do they leave for me?
So..first, all the assets are considered. If you own your own home, then you continue to live there...but, Medicaid might put a lien on 50% of its value...to be paid when the house sells.
So..50% of the total savings (investments, etc) need to be spent by you paying his nursing home costs. When you are down to just $2,000 of that money left...then you apply for Medicaid. Most states put a limit on how much the remain spouse can keep...so for example..if the remaining spouse would get to keep 50% ..but that is more than $100,000 then the difference has to be spent on his nursing home.
Assuming he is accepted...he will pay all of his pensions, all of his social security into his nursing home care...Medicaid then picks up the rest. Your income is not counted. But, remember all joint assets are counted. Many states will allow the remaining spouse up to $2,000 per month in support from his income...if she is otherwise destitute. The car is not counted in the assets....any life insurance is counted, but...prepaid funeral costs are not counted. It makes sense to go buy a new car, and pay those funeral costs...since that is exempt from the 50% rule.
If he made any gifts in the preceding 5 years...they will count as if he still have that money...so it would delay his approval. If he bought anything for children, friends, etc...it counts as if he still had that money and will delay approval.
If he has income above $2,000 he will need to put it in a miller trust...the first $2,000 pays for his monthly care...the remained is held in Trust for Medicaid to receive after he passes.
Remember...each state has different dollar amount rules.