• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kulas & Crawford

Attorneys at Law

Call Now: (772) 398.0720

Attend a Free Workshop
  • Home
  • About Our Firm
    • About Our Firm
    • Meet Our Team
  • Services
    • Elder Law and Medicaid
    • Estate and Gift Tax Figures
    • Estate Planning Services
    • Financial Planning Assistance
    • IRA and Retirement Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Pet Planning
    • Probate and Trust Administration
    • SECURE Act
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Resources
    • Articles
    • Definitions
    • Elder Care Resources
    • Elder Law Resources
      • Elder Law Reports
      • Palm Bay Elder Law Resources
      • Vero Beach Elder Law Resources
    • Estate Plan Checkup
    • Florida Alzheimer’s Guide
    • FREE Estate Planning Worksheet
    • Free Seminars
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Elder Law and Medicaid
      • Estate Planning FAQ’s
      • Frequently Asked Questions for Families Without an Estate Plan
      • Legacy Wealth Planning FAQ’s
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions
      • Probate
      • Trust Administration & Probate Frequently Asked Questions
      • Veteran’s Benefits
      • Wills and Trusts
    • Newsletters
    • Pre Consultation Form
    • Presentations
    • Probate Checklist
    • Probate Resources
      • Port St Lucie Probate
      • Stuart Probate
      • Vero Beach Probate
    • Published Books
    • Reports
      • Advanced Estate Planning
      • Basic Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning for Niches
      • Trust Administration
    • Top Estate Planning Techniques
  • Workshops
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • Communities We Serve
    • Indian River County
      • Vero Beach
    • Martin County
      • Hobe Sound
      • Jensen Beach
      • Stuart
    • Okeechobee County
      • Okeechobee
    • St. Lucie County
      • Fort Pierce
      • Port St. Lucie
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Home >> Medicaid Lawyers Explain Eligibility for Seniors

Medicaid Lawyers Explain Eligibility for Seniors

May 7, 2018 by Joshua K. Crawford

Medicaid lawyersMost seniors count on Medicare to cover their healthcare expenses during their retirement years. While Medicare does help with most healthcare expenses, it doesn’t cover everything. One of the most important exclusions from Medicare coverage is long-term care. For seniors, this exclusion can come as a surprise – and can lead to the depletion of their retirement nest egg should long-term care (LTC) actually be needed. Fortunately, the Medicaid program may be able to help; however, you must first qualify for benefits. Navigating the various Medicaid programs and corresponding eligibility criteria can be a daunting task. The Florida Medicaid lawyers at Kulas & Crawford explain some of the more common Medicaid programs for seniors and the eligibility requirements for those programs.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a healthcare program for low-income individuals and families that is primarily funded by the U.S. federal government, though the individual states can supplement funding and administer the program. Because Medicaid is administered at the state level the eligibility requirements and programs offered will vary from state to state.

Florida Medicaid for the Aged and Disabled

Florida residents who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage from the Social Security Administration.  There is no need to file a separate ACCESS Florida Application unless nursing home services are needed.

Medicaid programs for seniors fall into one of two categories – full benefits and partial benefits. Medicaid programs that have full benefits include:

  • Medicaid for aged and disabled individuals (MEDS-AD)
  • Institutional Care Program (ICP)
  • Hospice
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Programs

Medicaid programs that have limited benefits include:

  • Medically Needy (MN)
  • Medicare cost-sharing programs:
  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
  • Special Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
  • Qualifying Individuals 1 (QI-1)

To qualify for any of the Medicaid programs for the aged or disabled you must meet the following general requirements:

  • Aged, Blind or Disabled – an individual must be aged (65 or older) or, if under age 65, blind or disabled. Note: The disability must prevent the individual from working and be expected to last for a period no less than 12 months, or be expected to result in death. Individuals who receive a disability check from the Social Security Administration (SSA) based on their own disability automatically meet this requirement. A disability determination is completed by SSA or the state Division of Disability Determinations (DDD). DCF submits requests to DDD after the Medicaid application is received.
  • Citizenship Status – an individual must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen. Note: There may be a waiting period for non-citizens admitted to the U.S. with a qualified status on or after August 22, 1996.
  • Identity – an individual must provide proof of identity. Exceptions: individuals receiving SSI, Medicare or Social Security Disability based on their own work history.
  • Residency – an individual must be a Florida resident.
  • Social Security Number – an individual must have a social security number or apply for one.
  • File for Other Benefits – an individual must apply for other benefits for which they may be eligible (i.e. – pensions, retirement, disability benefits, etc.).

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, each Medicaid program also has income and asset limits that an applicant cannot exceed. The limits depend on the program. For SSI based Medicaid, an individual cannot have more than $750 a month in income nor non-exempt assets that exceed $2,000 for 2018. For the MEDS-AD program, an individual may have income up to $891 and assets cannot exceed $5,000. Information on the income and asset limits for all Medicaid programs for seniors can be found on the Financial Eligibility Standards Factsheet for 2018.

The Importance of Medicaid Planning

All Medicaid programs have asset limits. Although some assets are exempt, most seniors find that the value of their non-exempt assets exceeds the program limit if they failed to plan ahead. The key to ensuring that you will be eligible for Medicaid if the time comes that you need it to help cover LTC expenses is by including Medicaid planning in your overall estate plan.

Contact Florida Medicaid Lawyers

For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding Florida Medicaid eligibility or Medicaid planning, contact the experienced Florida Medicaid lawyers at Kulas & Crawford by calling (772) 398-0720 to schedule an appointment.

Filed Under: Medicaid

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
What Are the Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Seniors in Florida?
Port St. Lucie Medicaid planning attorney
What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Rule?
Vero Beach Medicaid planning attorney
What You Don’t Know About Medicaid Could Hurt You
Vero Beach Medicaid planning attorneys
Medicaid vs. Medicare — What You Need to Know
eligibility for Medicaid
What Is Considered a Countable Asset for Medicaid in Florida?
Vero Beach Medicaid lawyers
What Happens to My Spouse If I Need to Qualify for Medicaid?

Kulas & Crawford

Download Free Estate Planning Worksheet

There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.

TESTIMONIALS

Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I needed a simple, easy-to-use way to add testimonials to my website and display them. Easy Testimonials Pro did all of that and more!

avatar-1
Janet Exampleton
Owner, Exampleton Productions
Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I receieved excellent customer support, and quickly. Thank you so much!

avatar-2
Linda Herman
Founder, Herman Studios
Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I love your product! I would recommend this to anyone. What a great find!

avatar-3
Steve
Developer, Acme Co.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
~L.G.K
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

~Joan C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

~Mildred W
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

~Leo C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

~Krissy L
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

~Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

Leo C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

L.G.K.
<
>

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Blog Subscription

Subscribe to our blog to get all of the latest estate planning news in the Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach Florida areas. Fill out the form below to get our updates.

PORT ST. LUCIE

East Lake Professional Center
2100 SE Hillmoor Drive, Suite 105 Port St. Lucie, FL,34952
Phone: (772) 398-0720
Fax: (772) 398-9331
  • PORT ST. LUCIE

VERO BEACH

Bridgeview Building
2770 Indian River Blvd, Suite 321, Vero Beach, FL, 32960
Phone: (772) 778-8481
Fax: (772) 398-9331
  • VERO BEACH

Office Hours

Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
footer-logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The information on this Florida Attorneys & Lawyers / Law Firm website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Kulas & Crawford. Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Site Map | Powered by American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys


© 2023 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.