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I am trying to get this info for my friend (nothing to do with my mom, who is on my profile).
Her parents live in Wichita Fall, TX. They basically have no assets, they rent their home, and both have very low social security incomes. Family is afraid that if the husband's Alzheimer's gets to the point where he will need in-home or facility help, the wife will not be able to survive on her social security income alone. (I'm not sure of exact numbers, but I'm sure they both could qualify for Medicaid as far as finances go. The husband will likely eventually qualify, medically, for Medicaid LTC but not yet.)
What can the family do to help the wife prepare for the future with her husband's care? I suggested visiting an elder law attorney, but I fear they won't be able to spare $2k or whatever that will cost. What FREE RESOURCES are out there for them to contact regarding Medicaid applications / help for the spouse? (The may also consider moving them both to live with them - with the husband likely entering a facility at some point - in Colorado, so any resources related to that state is also welcomed!)
Thanks!!!

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Great ideas, thanks all. I hadn't thought of low-income housing but I should have! I bet they're not on food stamps yet, so I'll suggest that too.

I'm wondering how many good Medicaid facilities they have in available in Wichita Falls, and whether they have long wait lists. Also, I know Texas has a few different Medicaid programs, so I don't know which one they will want to look into (anyone have info on how they differ?). ...again, as mentioned, they have several reasons to see the elder law attorney, if they can scrape together some funds (maybe family will help). It really sounds like they are paycheck to paycheck.
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Reply to momdaughter82
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Wife will have to get an income based apartment where they take 30% of your income for rent. She also may be eligible for food stamps. If her husbands SS income is more than hers, she will be able to collect his income instead of hers if he dies. If he goes into a nursing home she will be left with just her own income, so if she is going to live on her own, she will need to find a senior housing apartment that only takes a portion of her income for rent. From what I hear, these can be hard to get as there is a shortage of housing and usually waiting lists. As far as resources, there will be a state website your friend can go to.

I just did a quick search for Texas, and will link it below:

Texas Health and Human Services

If the link doesn't work (this site is not conducive to linking), just google it, it will come up. You can get all the info you need and apply right online.
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Reply to mstrbill
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I laughed out loud at $2k legal bill for Medicaid couples planning. This is said with love and experience with Tx Medicaid and my husband’s parents. She had Parkinson’s and spent last 3 years of life in SNF. When it comes to Community Spouse Resource Allowance and getting you thru application, it’s worth every penny. A good lawyer can get part of spouse income diverted to wife. The free resources are overwhelmed and underfunded in Texas. Moving them to Colorado will require that they establish residency. If he was a veteran in specific periods there may be help there. Even Igloo with her vast experience with Texas Medicaid says it’s not do it yourself with a community spouse. The money to move them would be better spent paying for the attorney. Free help getting Medicaid from trained knowledgeable professionals is almost impossible to find
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Reply to Guestshopadmin
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That view is a little short sighted.. I one of them dies, the SS is also cut. So include that into your assessment. Start with your local social services for low income housing
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Reply to MACinCT
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