Minnesota’s Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance. The state’s various MA programs provide financial assistance and healthcare services to low-income individuals living in the state. In some cases, MA may pay for the cost of long-term care, prescription medications, home modifications or medical equipment. The program serves seniors as well as those who are disabled, ill, injured or pregnant.
MA helps seniors in many ways, including providing help with the cost of assisted living and housing expenses to low-income seniors and disabled persons throughout Minnesota. While seniors can receive MA through the state’s standard plan, several waiver programs provide benefits that are more specific to seniors who reside in assisted living facilities.
Eligibility requirements for all waivers and the MA state plan stipulate that seniors must be assessed and require the level of care that’s specific to the waiver or plan that they’re applying for. Financially, the requirements are the same for all waivers and the state plan. Seniors may not earn more than $1,005 per month and may not own assets valued at more than $3,000 in total, excluding their home, which may not exceed a value of $572,000.
To receive assistance with or to apply for the MA state plan or any of the waivers listed below, seniors can contact the Minnesota Health Care Programs Help Desk at (800) 657-3739.
Elderly Waiver
The MA Elderly Waiver provides assistance to seniors who require a nursing level of care but wish to continue living at home or in an assisted living facility. It offers assistance with the cost of care and helps seniors to access a variety of services such as nurse visits, nonemergency transportation and adult companion services.
Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver
The Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver provides support and financial aid to those under the age of 65 who require nursing care or assisted living. However, those who are enrolled in the program prior to turning 65 years of age may continue to participate after their 65th birthday and receive financial assistance with the cost of assisted living or nursing home care.