Rely on the Government

Many families expect Uncle Sam to pick up the tab for long-term care. Government programs offer an important safety net to older Americans who are poor or who run out of money paying for long-term care expenses. Due to limited funds, however, eligibility for public programs is usually limited to those in greatest need. The types of long-term care services available under public programs vary considerably from state to state.

Do you to find out what to find out the benefits for which you might be eligible? Link to the National Council on the Aging Benefits Checkup.

Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that primarily pays for nursing home care for elders who are poor or who use up their savings to pay for care. Each state has the option of offering additional services for severely impaired elders who need help to continue to live at home or in the community. All states are required to recover the money they spend on long-term care from an elder’s estate.

Veterans Benefits
The Veterans Administration provides long-term care services primarily to veterans with a service-related disability, low-income veterans, and former prisoners of war. Eligible veterans typically receive nursing home care, although the VA will also pay for some community-based services such as respite care and adult day care. Spouses of eligible veterans may also be able to get care through the V.A.

Community Programs
Many cities and towns offer services to help impaired seniors to continue to live at home. Religious and charitable organizations can also help. These programs may include:

• Meals on Wheels.
• Senior Center.
• Dial-a-Ride or other special transportation programs for seniors.
• Friendly visits or telephone checks to elders who live alone.
• Help with home modifications or repairs.

State programs
Impaired seniors may be eligible for get long-term care services through programs funded by the state. They may also qualify for public housing, help with rent payments, or a government grant to modify or fix their home.

Medicare
Medicare, the national health insurance program for seniors, does not cover long-term care. This program only pays for short stays in a nursing home after an elder leaves the hospital. It will also pay for a home heath aide while an elder receives skilled nursing care or rehabilitation therapies at home. Medicare will cover the cost of some medical equipment and special devices that can help impaired elders live at home.

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