Medicaid is the federal and state-funded program that serves the health care needs of low-income Americans across the country. In Utah, the program is managed by the Department of Health’s Division of Medicaid and primarily covers pregnant women, families with young children, adults who are blind or disabled and senior citizens. The program provides a wide range of health care benefits to those who qualify, such as:
- Physician and specialist services
- Hospitalization and emergency treatment
- X-rays and laboratory tests
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- In-home care
- Institutional nursing home care
- Emergency and nonemergency medical transportation
Qualifying for Utah Medicaid for Long-Term Care Salt Lake County residents can qualify for Medicaid long-term care if they:
- Are aged 65 or older, or
- Blind or disabled and aged 64 or younger, and
- Have $2,000 or less in countable assets as an individual or $4,000 in combined countable assets as a married couple applying together
Utah Medicaid doesn’t cap income for those who need nursing home care, but it does require that an applicant’s income go toward the cost of their care except for a $45 per month personal needs allowance.
Disregards For Medicaid Eligibility Purposes Not all assets count toward the eligibility limits. A primary home with equity up to $585,000, household effects, personal belongings, one vehicle, burial plots, irrevocable funeral trusts and a life insurance policy with a face value of up to $1,500 are excluded.
If only one spouse of a married couple applies for coverage, the non-applicant’s income isn’t counted and they also may receive up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s monthly income along with up to $126,420 of the couple’s joint assets. These living and resource allowances are mandated by federal law to prevent
spousal impoverishment.
Salt Lake County seniors can
apply for Utah Medicaid online, or contact the
Department of Workforce Services at (866) 435-7414 for more information or help completing an application.
Aging Waiver Program Utah Medicaid’s
Aging waiver covers in-home and community-based care services to help seniors aged 65 or older avoid premature nursing home admission. To qualify, applicants must be financially eligible for Medicaid and assessed as needing the level of care provided in a nursing home.
Program enrollees receive case management and additional support services based on their needs. Provided services may include:
- Transitional assistance to move back to the community
- Companion services
- Personal emergency response systems
- Medication reminders
- Personal budget assistance
- Durable medical equipment
- Nonmedical transportation
The AW isn’t an entitlement program of Utah Medicaid. Participation is capped, so eligible seniors may be placed on a waiting list until a spot becomes available.
To learn more about the Aging waiver or apply, seniors can contact
Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services at (385) 468-3200.