Medicaid can be a lifeline for older adults on the hunt for affordable senior health and long-term care, such as assisted living or memory care. If you’re looking into Medicaid for senior living for you or your loved one, read on to see how Gold Choice Senior Living can work with you to make the most of this joint federal and state program, which provides affordable healthcare for low-income individuals and families.
Does Gold Choice accept Medicaid?
The short answer is yes!
Gold Choice is a Medicaid approved community, which means we are proud to accept Medicaid as a payment supplement for senior living. When you reach out, we’ll introduce you to our Medicaid Specialist, who can help you understand Medicaid’s application process, determine you or your loved one’s eligibility, and direct you to resources to help you get started. We also accept veterans’ benefits at Gold Choice, including the Aid & Attendance benefit for veterans and their surviving spouses. Our perks for veterans also include extended move-in deals through our exclusive Patriot Promotion.
Using Medicaid for senior living requires proactive planning, financial organization, and understanding your eligibility so you and your loved one can get the care you need while protecting your finances. Let’s consider some actionable steps you or your loved one can take to use Medicaid benefits to pay for senior living in Florida.
What coverage does Medicaid offer?
Each state administers its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, so Medicaid regulations will vary by state and can often be combined with other government benefits like Medicare and veterans’ benefits.
In Florida, the Florida Department of Children and Families serves as program administrator, offering financial support for nursing home care, in-home care, and many prescription medications. Florida also offers a variety of waiver programs for all individuals ages 65 and older, including Home- and Community-Based Services waivers that allow seniors to receive care outside of an institutional setting. Now managed through Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care (LTC) Program, this coverage many include adult day health care, meal delivery, respite care, personal care assistance, and more.
Often, seniors qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, so combining these benefits can provide more comprehensive coverage. Florida’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) combines the benefits of Medicaid, including long-term care, and Medicare into a single program and may also offer additional benefits like dental and eye care.
What else should I know about Medicaid?
When it comes to Medicaid for senior living, it’s important to make sure you or your loved one meets Medicaid’s income and asset thresholds. You will also need to organize your financial documentation, identify any eligibility gaps, and ensure compliance with Medicaid regulations. Some states, including Florida, also require periodic recertification, also known as redetermination.
Medicaid users should also be aware of the program’s “look-back period,” a five-year window where Medicaid examines financial records for eligibility, like any gifts or transfers of assets made below market value. Violations may result in a penalty period that can delay your benefits being processed.
How Gold Choice can help
At Gold Choice, we pride ourselves on offering senior living that provides dignity, comfort, and value. Part of that includes accepting Medicaid as supplemental payment for senior living. Here, our Gold Choice move-in advisors will work with you and your loved one to ensure you’re taking full advantage of all earned benefits. We even have a designated Medicaid Specialist and Patriot Promotion Specialist on staff who can help you determine your eligibility and apply!
Looking to learn more about how to pay for assisted living and what assisted living provides? Reach out today to speak to a Gold Choice advisor about our assisted living and memory care communities in Ormond Beach, Deltona, and Palm Coast, or call us to arrange a tour! Gold Choice assisted living offers comfortable, private apartments, personalized care plans, three healthy, chef-prepared meals a day, and a full schedule of engaging enrichment activities and social programs, while our memory care communities feature robust safety measures, a staff of professionals trained in dementia care, and programs designed to improve residents’ cognitive and emotional health.