The national Medicaid program provides essential health insurance for Americans of all ages who can’t afford to pay for coverage. Medicaid is funded by the federal and individual state governments, and each state administers its own program according to federal guidelines.
Indiana Medicaid provides coverage for roughly 20% of the state’s population and primarily serves families with young children, pregnant women, blind and disabled adults and senior citizens. Residents who qualify are covered for a wide range of health care services, including doctor and specialist visits, hospital care, emergency room treatment, diagnostic tests, emergency medical transportation, prescriptions and long-term care in a nursing home.
Qualifying for Medicaid for Long-term Care
Noblesville adults assessed as needing long-term care can qualify for Medicaid coverage if they’re American citizens or legal permanent residents and aged 65 or older or adults who are blind or disabled. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements for Supplemental Security Income benefits are enrolled in the Medicaid program automatically. Others are limited to:
- A maximum of $2,000 in countable assets as a single person or $3,000 as a married couple
- A maximum of $2,313 in monthly income per person
A married applicant whose spouse isn’t applying may be able to qualify even if they’re initially over the income and asset limits. Their monthly income may drop by a maximum of $3,160.50 and total assets down $126,420 when federally mandated living and resource allowances are deducted to prevent
spousal impoverishment.
When determining eligibility, Medicaid counts income from all sources, but several assets are exempt, such as a primary home worth $585,000 or less, household furnishings, personal effects, one vehicle and irrevocable burial trusts.
Noblesville seniors can complete an application online for
Indiana Medicaid or call (800) 403-0864 to apply by phone.
Aged and Disabled Waiver In an effort to reduce long-term care costs and provide Medicaid-eligible seniors and disabled adults with a greater degree of independence, Indiana offers an
Aged and Disabled waiver. This program provides community-based long-term care services in an enrollee’s home, approved adult foster home or assisted living community. Residents of Noblesville can qualify if they:
- Meet the functional and financial eligibility requirements for Indiana Medicaid
- Are assessed as needing a nursing home level of care but able to safely live in the community
Program participants are covered for Medicaid medical services and receive case management, and depending on their assessed needs, additional benefits, such as:
- Transitional aid to move from a nursing home back to the community
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Personal care services
- Prepared meals
- Nutritional supplements
- Assisted living services
- Transportation
- Personal emergency response systems
Unlike institutional nursing home care, the A&D waiver isn’t a Medicaid entitlement program, and participation is limited statewide. Based on availability, qualified seniors may be placed on a waiting list before receiving services.
Senior residents of Noblesville interested in enrolling in the A&D waiver should
apply for regular Medicaid first, and then contact the local Area Agency on Aging,
CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions, at (800) 489-9550 to schedule an initial assessment.