Health Topics for Aging

Nursing Homes/Care Centers

Geriatric Assessment Clinic

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state needs-based program. It provides healthcare services for the poor and near poor. Medicare is the healthcare safety net for the elderly. Long-term care can quickly drain a person's savings, so it is important to know about the benefits of Medicaid. Medicaid pays for about half of all nursing home care in the United States. It is federally funded and state-operated. Each state has its own rules and eligibility requirements. States that do not use Medicaid have their own Medicaid-type programs.

Medicaid coverage may include:

• inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• physician services
• lab and x-ray services
• periodic diagnostic tests and screenings
• rural health clinic services
• nursing home care
• in-home healthcare for people eligible for nursing home care and
• medical transportation

Some state Medicaid programs may also cover:

• dental, foot, and eye care
• prescription drugs
• less intensive home healthcare
• social workers
• private duty nurses
• rehabilitative therapy
• dentures
• eyeglasses
• case management
• prosthetic devices and
• hospice care

Some state services may charge a small deductible, or co-payment for certain services. In some cases, Medicaid benefits may pay for care that Medicare does not cover. To find out if you qualify for Medicaid, inquire at your local area agency on aging, social service agency, or contact a hospital social worker.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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