Medicaid, a government-funded health plan for low-income Americans, provides essential health care benefits for children, seniors, adults with disabilities and pregnant women. Medicaid is regulated at the federal level and administered by each state. Mandatory benefits include nursing facility services, hospitalization, diagnostic testing and doctor visits.
Seniors in Lawrenceville may qualify for Medicaid coverage if they meet the income and asset limits. Single seniors can earn up to $2,313 per month, and couples applying together can earn up to $4,626 per month.
Asset limits are set at $2,000 per individual and $3,000 per couple. All cash and investments are rated as countable assets, while one vehicle and an owner-occupied residence is excluded as long as the home is assessed at $585,000 or less.
If only one spouse in a married couple needs Medicaid coverage, any income earned by the non-applicant (community) spouse is disregarded. The community spouse can also keep up to half of the couple’s jointly owned assets up to an assessed value of $126,420.
For more information about Georgia Medicaid or to receive help applying for coverage, call (800) 436-7442.
Medicaid Waivers
Georgia seniors who meet the financial criteria for Medicaid enrollment and need nursing home level of care may qualify for one of two home and community-based Medicaid waivers. Eligible seniors must complete a comprehensive needs assessment to determine what services and supports they need to avoid institutionalization.
Note: Each waiver has enrollment limits, therefore, seniors may be added to a wait list for services.
Community Care Services Program
The Community Care Services Program is a nursing home diversion program that provides seniors with community-based services, such as:
- Adult day health care
- A personal medical alert system
- In-home skilled nursing care
- Personal care to assist with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping
- Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy
For more information contact the
Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging at (800) 759-2963.
Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment The
Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment waiver provides similar services and supports as the CCSP waiver, and the target population is the same.
For more information on SOURCE and to request an assessment, contact the
Home and Community-Based Services info line at (866) 552-4464.