Aging and Long Term Care

Aging and Long-term Care
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Medicaid is a health insurance policy catering for the low-income earners and the disabled in the society. It is a joint venture by both the state and the national government with different states offering different criteria for eligibility for the program. In most US states, the disabled, nursing homes, orphanages and those with limited income are the eligible ones to the program, but some also allow those with above average income to subscribe (Angel, 2000). Primary considerations for eligibility include the household size, the amount of income, age and disability cases (if any). Considering the spend-down rules, one may still be eligible for Medicaid even when their income level surpasses that set by the state. To be considered ‘medically needy’, your measurable resources should not exceed that allowed in your state.
Patients with long-term needs often pose a significant challenge to their families considering the amount of time and financial resources to be dedicated to their care. In most states, Medicaid is the provider of free or low-cost care for these families though there are outlined federal guidelines to be followed. Medicaid will provide for long-term care services when the chronic ailment or need beco...