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I don't know in which State you reside, but securing the services of an astute Elder Care attorney is well worth your time and money. The Elder Law attorney will be able to give you expert guidance.
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dkrehbs: Upon Googling 'Does Medicaid cover memory care?,' it prompted the following response - "AI overview, Medicaid generally covers memory care services in nursing homes, but the type and extent of coverage varies by state."
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AlvaDeer Oct 8, 2024
I think AI is wrong again. Just as it is wrong when it says that one of our founding fathers is African American (hee hee). Because I think in our country it is unusual to find memory cares that have Medicaid coverage. Some do. But most are private pay, privately owned by corporations, and are done as soon as the funds run out. Some few in my experience will accept Medicaid Funding, but only if you have started and been private pay for some time. Their rules are even different in that they must obey state law governing LTC but not always all of the federal rules. ALF and LTC are most usually private pay currently in my opinion. Our OP should call and check in her area.
As to A.I I am hearing more and more about how wrong it often is. Scary. Because they are now using it a lot in diagnostics.
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I can see that getting help with Medicaid for memory care is ridiculous with our limited government assistance. We cannot just place patients who cannot pay on the street, as that is illegal to do. Our forum does not really have answers for your advice. Contact a lawyer and social worker in the patient's care region for assistance.
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When my mom ran out of savings and her pension and social security was not enough to pay for memory care, she applied for Medicaid. I had to move her from a private pay facility to one that accepts Medicaid. My mom makes too much to get approved for Medicaid so we had to create a miller trust. I deposit All of my moms income into the Miller Trust every month except for $52. She can use the $52 to buy clothing or to have her hair cut or something like that. Then every month I write a check to the memory care facility from the Trust for the full amount. Medicaid pays the balance to the facility.

Every year she has to recertify with Medicaid. It's ridiculous. We use an elder lawyer to help with the trust and recertification. It's expensive.
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my2cents Oct 8, 2024
This is excellent information for the person who asked this question.

You do have to find memory care facility that takes Medicaid. Then will have to spend down her money from savings or other cash assets before she would qualify. In most states, the limit is $2000 or less in money. Her income may already meet the limits - if she's over, an elder atty can help with the trust thing or explain options. Very wise to talk to atty.

Recertification is not that hard to do on your own after the initial application process. You just provide the documents they request
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Ask them.
Get everything in writing.

If the person is already in memory care, this information is likely already provided to you. Who is getting this person's mail? Who is legally responsible for this person? Who are you in relation to this person?

Gena / Touch Matters
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From my experience with Medicaid.. My BIL is in memory care in a nursing home. I was his rep. payee and had to get him on Medicaid for him to be there. Medicaid pays the difference meaning my BIL social security and small pension pays for some of the room. He only gets $50 out of his finances to pay for other things he needs. His memory care room in the nursing home is $260 a day so for a month his room costs in a range of $7800 to $8060.

The only way you will know if they cover is to apply for Medicaid and I can tell you its a bear. If the person has anything in finances you have to have the statements. So for my BIL I had to have all statements of bank accounts, statement from his pension and statement from his social security. If he had any cash I had to report that too. For Medicaid if they have life insurance with a payout like my BIL did I had to cash that in and put it towards his funeral which I did. I had to prove what he had in finances. It was a long process but I finally got him on it. If they deny you keep at it find out why they did deny you. I had to do that too. Didn't have all the paperwork I needed.
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ZippyZee,

As far as I know, there isn’t a single centralized “master list” online that details which states cover assisted living or memory care through Medicaid. However, there are some resources that provide helpful overviews and comparisons. Websites like MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org or PayingforSeniorCare.com offer state-by-state guides on Medicaid coverage for long term care, including assisted living and memory care.

Each state operates its Medicaid program differently, and most states offer some form of Medicaid waiver for home and community based services (HCBS), which can include coverage for memory care. These sites typically break down Medicaid waiver programs by state and specify what kinds of services are covered under each.

For specific, reliable information, people can visit these websites or consult directly with a Medicaid specialist or an elder care attorney in their state.
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Medicaid can cover memory care, but it depends on the state and the specific Medicaid program. Generally, Medicaid does not pay for room and board in memory care facilities, but it may cover certain services such as personal care, medical supervision, and help with activities of daily living (ADLs) through Medicaid waivers. These waivers are designed to help elderly individuals receive long term care in settings other than nursing homes, such as assisted living or memory care units.

Eligibility for Medicaid coverage varies based on income, assets, and medical need. In some states, there are programs specifically for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease that may help cover the cost of memory care services.

Check with your state’s Medicaid office or a local elder law attorney for more details about coverage in your area.
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Check with the personal care facility. Most are out of pocket only. Skilled nursing and rehab will accept Medicaid.
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We see this question a lot, and the answer is that it varies by state. Would anyone happen to have a link to a master list of states that do/do not cover either AL or MC?

Surely there must be one somewhere online.
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When looking for an Assisted Care facility I hired an elder care lawyer for my mother when she moved to the state I lived in. I specifically asked about what can I do if/when money runs out. I need to place her in a facility that is connected to medicaid/medicare unit with memory care. Was given several choices and it was a godsend. She set up a trust and showed me how to manage everything.
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Grateful124 Oct 7, 2024
Hi your post IS very helpful. Would you be will to give the name of your lawyer? I would love to consult with h/I'm

Thank you in advance I pray you see thus. Email..
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I believe it probably depends what state you live in, as here in NC, we have a lot of memory care facilities that are covered my Medicaid.
I guess you can either look online or call the facilities you're interested in.
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Most memory care facilities are private pay, and quite costly. Most are privately owned by corporate entities and do not have to follow most federal rules for operations (though DO have to follow state rules.

Some memory care facilities DO cover Medicaid patients, esp. if those clients were with them for some time as private pay. It would be up to you to explore each in your area. They will be happy to explain to you whether or not they accept Medicaid.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Not usually. Assisted livings and Memorary cares are private pay. Some States may have vouchers for MC. In my State, you pay privately for for at least two years and you maybe able to get Medicaid help. The AL/MC has to except Medicaid and if they do, they usually only except a % of Mrdicaid recipients.
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