How To Pay Nursing Care Costs

Medicare

While this key government program is not designed for those seeking long-term care, there are special cases where this government program can help provide financial compensation for seniors. This program, for those age 65+, is mainly for seniors who need rehabilitation for an injury or illness or need specific, skilled nursing care. As such, Medicare will pay for twenty days of care at 100% of the cost. For the eighty days following, the program will pay 80% of the cost. For those who subscribe to Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan, the secondary insurance will pay the remaining 20% of the cost for the last eighty days of coverage. Neither Medicare nor private Advantage Plan Supplemental Insurance will pay for nursing home care after the 100-day maximum is reached.  A minor exception to this rule exists, when the nursing facility doubles as a psychiatric hospital and the individual is in residence for a psychiatric condition. In this situation, Medicare increases assistance for up to 190 days. In any case, this can be a great way to pay for the nursing homes in Houston costs for the short term during the senior’s rehabilitation.   Click to learn how to navigate rehab after a hospital stay.

Medicaid  

Medicaid will be one of the main sources of financial support as you begin searching for ways to pay for nursing care costs. You will most likely apply for Medicaid through the state you live in, so the amount rewarded and benefits offered may vary from state to state. However, it is safe to say that Medicaid pays at least 40% of the total nursing home costs in the United States. While on the surface, this may sound encouraging for families whose loved one requires nursing care, it is important to be aware that Medicaid is a means-tested program, meaning that the applicant’s income and financial assets are closely analyzed prior to acceptance into the program. Persons must meet strict financial guidelines in order to qualify. However, should an individual qualify, Medicaid will pay for 100% of their nursing home costs at a Medicaid-approved skilled nursing facility. Regardless of whether or not you think that you qualify, be sure to complete the application process just in case. Medicaid can help ensure that you’re able to pay for the quality care that you deserve.

If you have 3 to 6 months of resources or  at least $25,000 to $50,000, you may be able to expedite the process of finding a Medicaid facility by residing in a nursing home for 3 months while you “spend down” these resourcs. To learn more, click Medicaid Spend Down Process.  Treemont’s Business Office Manager Anny Ortiz can guide you through this process. Please call or email Anny at 713-783-4100 or AnnyO@TreemontHC.com.