The Medicaid program in Utah provides health care services to families and individuals who are unable to afford coverage on their own. The program provides medical services for almost half a million elderly and disabled people. Some of the services covered by Utah Medicaid include primary care, prescription medications, medical devices, emergency transportation, hospital and mental health services. Although the cost of assisted living isn’t covered under the state plan, there are Medicaid options in place to help seniors access this type of long-term care.
Seniors in Utah seeking Medicaid care under the state plan must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Live in Utah full time
- A maximum monthly income of $1,041 ($1,372 for married couples)
- No more than $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 for married couples)
Medicaid considers all income sources when determining seniors’ eligibility for coverage; however, some assets are exempt. These include the applicant’s home and its furnishings, one vehicle, burial plots and personal belongings.
Provo seniors can
apply for Medicaid online, or call the
Utah Department of Health at (866) 435-7414 for more information about the application process.
New Choices Waiver Program The
New Choices waiver program helps seniors who want to transition from a nursing home or hospital to an assisted living facility or their own home. It provides financial assistance to help with the cost of transitional services, such as transportation and counseling. It also pays for assisted living or home care services.
To qualify for the New Choices waiver, applicants need to be at least 65 years old and residing in a nursing home or hospital when they submit their application. Applicants can’t earn more than $2,313 per month and must meet the Medicaid program’s asset requirements.
To apply for this waiver, seniors can call the
Utah Medicaid help desk at (800) 662-9651.
Aging Waiver Utah’s
Aging waiver provides services to seniors to delay the need for care in a nursing home. It pays for services provided in a senior’s own home or assisted living facility. Covered benefits include skilled nurse visits, assisted living care and nonemergency transportation.
To qualify, applicants must be a minimum of 65 years of age and fully eligible for Utah Medicaid. They also must undergo a comprehensive assessment to confirm they require a nursing home level of care but are able to live safely outside a skilled nursing facility.
To apply, seniors can contact the
Division of Aging and Adult Services at (801) 538-3910.