Knowing all your options available through Medicaid helps you avoid any surprises in long-term care planning for your loved one.
It’s estimated that one quarter of the adult population in the United States will be senior citizens by the year 2030. This means that the number of Americans who help their elderly relatives plan for long-term care is only going to increase in the coming years, too. With numerous programs available, each with their own specific sets of rules and requirements, it is reassuring to know what options will be available for you when you need them the most. If you meet certain financial and medical thresholds, Medicaid can assist with some aspects of long-term elderly care services in Little Rock.
Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid is a partnership between the federal government and the state governments that aims to provide a variety of healthcare services for people with lower incomes. The federal government provides a portion of the funding for Medicaid programs, but they are largely administered by individual states.
Typically, Americans who earn under a set amount of annual income and own limited assets are eligible to participate in Medicaid. While the federal government has stipulated that the states must cover some groups of people, state Medicaid organizations are at liberty to include other groups in Medicaid coverage as well. If you have questions about whether or not you or a relative are eligible for Medicaid long-term care services, you should contact the Arkansas Medical Assistance office.
Services Covered by Medicaid in Every State
If you qualify for Medicaid, there are some categories of assistance that are generally included by all states. One of the most significant benefits is coverage of personal, in-home care services. These home-based services are designed to help people remain in their homes when they need assistance. These programs include services such as cleaning, personal care, and case management. Without access to such services, the eligible person would need to be placed in a nursing home environment. If your doctor says it is needed, personal care services are provided for help with everyday tasks in your loved one’s home, such as eating, bathing, getting dressed, and using the restroom.
Programs Offered Through Medicaid and Supplementary Services
In Arkansas, the ARChoices program offers a variety of services including attendant care, adult day services, home-delivered meals, and respite care services. This home and community-based service is available to adults with physical disabilities age 21 to 64, and seniors age 65 or older. The aim of this program is to provide services that allow your loved one to remain in their home or continue to live with family. Alternative Community Services (ACS), commonly referred to as “Medicaid Waiver”, is a program for individuals of all ages who have cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or an intellectual disability, and live in their own home, foster home, or apartment in a group home. The services provided by ACS include transportation, environmental modifications, specialized medical supplies, and therapy consultation.
There may be other programs in your area that provide further assistance with the costs and activities involved in long-term care. You can inquire about these supplementary programs with the Arkansas Medicaid office. You can also use the federal government’s eldercare locator to see a list resources for long-term care services available in your area.
If you have a loved one in need of long-term elderly care services in Little Rock, contact Integrity, Inc. at 501-406-0442. We can help you determine the right care plan to meet your loved one’s needs based on Medicaid program eligibility.
