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T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T
CHAPTER 4
OPTIONS FOR CARE
I. Medicare
Medicare does not cover long-term care in a
nursing home. It will cover care for a limited
period of time following a qualified hospital
stay. For more information on Medicare or to
receive a free copy of the Medicare Coverage of
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(1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.
II. Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Medicaid is a federal/state program that serves
individuals who
meet strict financial and medical
criteria.
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nursing home bills if the resident does not have the
money to do so. It supplements the resident’s income,
which still must be paid to the nursing home, less a
personal needs allowance and any health insurance
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laundry and nursing care and also covers payments
and deductibles for Medicare when no other health
insurance is in place. To be eligible, the patient’s assets
cannot exceed a certain amount and have a burial plan
with a funeral home or burial fund with your bank.
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consuming process. It is best to apply before all
personal funds are depleted in order to avoid a private
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there are
two sets of requirements to meet
:
Financial Assistance For Nursing Home Care
Financial Criteria
Call the Department of Social Services
(DSS) at
410-836-4700
to obtain an
application for Long-Term Care Medical
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all income, real estate holdings, bank
accounts, trust funds and stocks.
Medical Criteria
The resident’s physician must complete
the Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene’s (DHMH) I.D. Screen and
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the person’s medical condition and
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decide eligibility within 30 calendar
days after all requested information is
supplied. If there is a delay in providing
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pay the bill until a decision is made..
Long-Term Care Insurance
Some individuals have purchased
policies that will provide funding for
long-term care. Review the policy and
discuss with all nursing homes you
are considering for placement.
III. Private Pay
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for nursing home care if they are
ineligible under Medicare, Medical
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The Nursing Home Decision
(continued)
Harford County Department
of Community Services
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Currently, there is no limit to how much you can spend on a burial plan.