Frequently Asked Questions

Q: As applied to nursing home care, what is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
A: Medicare will pay only for a limited stay in a nursing home. Medicaid, on the other hand, will pay for an unlimited stay subject to financial eligibility requirements.

Q: Many friends and professionals have advised me that once a loved one is admitted to a nursing home, it is too late to do Medicaid Planning. Is this true?
A: Many nursing home residents still own assets and will benefit from legal advice while they are confined to a nursing home. This is true for single persons and for couples where one spouse is living in a nursing home. Through the benefit of an attorney specializing in this field, the spouse living at home may be able to protect significant assets.

Q: Does a nursing home resident on Medicaid receive the same quality of care as a private pay resident?
A: Absolutely! The health care staff at each and every facility must treat all residents equally.Federal law insists that there be no discrimination by nursing homes against residents on medicaid.