If a person is receiving VA Aid and Attendance Benefits, he/she may still be eligible for Medicaid. VA Aid and Attendance Benefits do not count as income for Medicaid purposes, so he/she may meet income eligibility criteria for Medicaid. Once approved for Medicaid, though, the VA benefit is reduced to $90/month for most recipients.
How much will VA benefits be reduced if I go on Medicaid?
Once approved for Medicaid, though, the VA benefit is reduced to $90/month for most recipients. The exception to this reduction is: if the well spouse (or community spouse living somewhere other than a nursing home) has recurring, unreimbursed medical expenses.
Does health insurance affect VA health care benefits?
No. Whether or not you have health insurance coverage doesn’t affect the VA health care benefits you can get.
How do VA benefits and Medicaid work together for long-term care?
Both the VA benefits and Medicaid can be used to pay for long-term care costs, but how they work together is often very confusing. The Basics of VA Benefits The VA benefit can be used to pay for home care, assisted living care, and nursing home care.
What is the difference between Va and Medicaid eligibility?
The VA and Medicaid have similar but distinct eligibility rules. Any asset protection planning that is done for VA Benefits must also consider Medicaid eligibility rules. Anyone seeking an asset plan to qualify for VA benefits must also consider Medicaid eligibility rules so that a person can access Medicaid later, if needed.
Does VA benefits count as income?
Disability benefits you receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aren't taxable. You don't need to include them as income on your tax return. Tax-free disability benefits include: disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid either to veterans or their families.
Do VA benefits affect Medicare?
Having VA benefits does not affect Medicare costs. You can qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A coverage, but you'll likely have to pay premiums or a monthly fee for your other Medicare coverage depending on your plan.
Does VA disability count as income for medical?
For purposes of income-based programs, Medi-Cal does not count veterans' disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You do not have to be disabled to qualify for an income-based Medi-Cal program. These programs do not limit the number of financial resources (assets) you can own.
Will I lose my VA disability if I go to a nursing home?
The VA may pay all or part of the nursing home costs for disabled and elderly veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides both short-term and long-term care in nursing homes to veterans who aren't sick enough to be in the hospital but are too disabled or elderly to take care of themselves.
Do I qualify for Medicaid in VA?
Who is eligible for Virginia Medicaid? To be eligible for Virginia Medicaid, you must be a resident of the state of Virginia, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.
How can you lose your VA benefits?
VA disability compensation payments are reduced if a Veteran is convicted of a felony and imprisoned for more than 60 days. Veterans rated 20 percent or more are limited to the 10 percent disability rate. For a Veteran whose disability rating is 10 percent, the payment is reduced by one-half.
Can you have Medi-Cal and VA benefits?
If you are enrolled in the VA Medical Benefits Package and also have private health insurance or federally funded coverage through TRICARE, Medicare or Medi-Cal, you may use your existing coverage in addition to your VA health care benefits. The programs are independent and do not coordinate.
What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?
Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. For example, in 2022 it is $13,590 for a single adult person, $27,750 for a family of four and $46,630 for a family of eight.
What does the VA considered countable income?
The VA considers all Countable Income allowable by Federal law. This includes income received by the veteran and his or her dependents (if living in the home), if any, from most sources. It includes earnings, disability and retirement payments, interest and dividends, and net income from farming or business.
Will the VA pay my wife to be my caregiver?
Spouses, unfortunately, cannot be paid to provide care, as their income is also considered when calculating a veteran's pension amount. However, other relatives, such as adult children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, can be paid to be caregivers.
How much will the VA pay my wife to be my caregiver?
Level 1: For an eligible Veteran who is determined not to be "unable to self-sustain" in the community, the Primary Family Caregiver's stipend amount will be 62.5% of the monthly stipend rate. o For example, the GS rate at Grade 4, Step 1, in Dallas, Texas, for 2020 is $33,638 annually. stipend rate.
Can my wife go to the VA hospital?
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.
What is VA Aid and Attendance Pension?
To begin, the VA Aid & Attendance Pension is a monthly cash allowance for wartime Veterans and surviving spouses who require assistance with daily living activities. This benefit is intended to help cover the cost of long-term care, whether it be in the home, an assisted living residence, or a nursing home facility. The A&A Pension is an add on benefit to the Basic Veterans Pension, or in the case of surviving spouses, the Basic Survivors Pension. This means a person must not only meet the eligibility criteria for the Basic Pension, but also for the A&A Pension. While we won’t dive into the eligibility criteria as part of the answer to the above question, one can find the relevant information here.
What is the net worth limit for Medicaid?
Furthermore, Medicaid has an asset limit of $2,000 for a single applicant. The VA, on the other hand, has a net worth limit of $129,094 (in 2020). This net worth limit includes one’s annual income plus any countable assets. (This excludes the value of one’s home). This means that an applicant may meet the VA’s net worth limit, but not Medicaid’s asset limit. (As with Medicaid’s income limit, asset limits also tends to vary by state. Asset limits by state can be found here ).
What is the income limit for Medicaid in 2020?
Generally speaking, in 2020, the income limit for an applicant is $2,349 per month.
Can you restructure your Medicaid?
For applicants who are over Medicaid’s income and / or asset limit (s), it is possible that with the assistance of a Medicaid planning professional, finances can be restructured to meet Medicaid’s limit (s). Contact a planner here.
Does Medicaid cover long term care?
Like with the A&A Pension, Medicaid can also help to cover the cost of long-term care. This is often done via Institutional Medicaid, also called Nursing Home Medicaid, and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers.
Does VA consider A&A pension?
When a Veteran or surviving spouse receives the A&A Pension, the VA considers a specific amount to be for the Basic Pension and the remaining amount for A&A. While some states may disregard the pension in its entirety from Medicaid’s income limit, other states may count the Basic Pension amount as income. (To see how VA income is considered in the ...
Does VA Aid and Attendance Pension count as income?
Generally speaking, the cash benefit from the VA Aid & Attendance Pension should not count as income for Medicaid eligibility purposes. However, this doesn’t necessarily hold true across all of the states. When a Veteran or surviving spouse receives the A&A Pension, the VA considers a specific amount to be for the Basic Pension and ...
What is a VA pension?
A pension is a benefit that the VA pays to wartime veterans who have limited or no income and who are at least 65 years old or if under 65, are permanently or completely disabled. There are also “Death Pensions,” which are needs based for a surviving spouse of a deceased wartime veteran who has not remarried.
How long does it take to transfer VA benefits to irrevocable trust?
Currently, there a 3 year look back period to make transfers to an Irrevocable Trust. The VA Applicant and his/her spouse can not be the Trustee of beneficiary of this Irrevocable Trust in order for assets to be excluded from consideration when applying for benefits.
How much money can a spouse have on Medicaid?
A spouse may have assets up to $128,640. A Medicaid Applicant may have $2,000 in assets. The law allows for a minimum and maximum income to be diverted to the spouse still living at home. Contact us for additional details on qualification requirements.
How long can you apply for medicaid?
How Do I Apply for Medicaid? Medicaid eligibility can no longer be obtained retroactively for up to 3 months as in previous years (the law changed February 1, 2019). This means you must have your Medicaid application in by 5:00pm on the last day of the month to be considered for benefits for that month.
Is a car a Medicaid asset?
A car of any value, prepaid burial plans/plots and irrevocable funeral plans, personal effects and furnishings, and a burial account with a cash value up to $2,500 will not be counted as an asset. Medicaid laws count a homestead of greater than $595,000 in value as an asset, which would require spend-down, in most cases.
Is SSI counted as income?
A claimant must report all income, but the VA will exclude any income that the law allows. Public assistance, like SSI, is not counted as part of countable income.
Can a spouse of a veteran receive aid and attendance?
Veterans, spouses of veterans or surviving spouses can be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits if they meet the following disability requirements:
What is considered VA benefits during divestment?
Consideration of VA benefits during a divestment penalty period is rather straightforward. The plan takes the full benefit into consideration as income, so that during the penalty period the applicant doesn’t accumulate funds – countable resources must be below the program limit by the end of the penalty period.
When did the net worth, asset transfer, and income exclusions for needs-based benefits rule come into effect?
Note: This blog was written prior to the publication of the Net Worth, Asset Transfers, and Income Exclusions for Needs-Based Benefits rule by the Veterans Affairs Department effective October 18, 2018. As such, any strategies outlined in this blog post may no longer be advisable. For more information, read our blog post on the subject, or read the full Federal Register document text here.
Does Medicaid cover long term care?
The monthly annuity payments then assist the applicant in privately paying throughout that divestment penalty period where Medicaid does not cover the long-term care costs. At the end of the plan, the applicant is then immediately eligible for Medicaid.
Is VA income countable for Medicaid?
Velez, it was ruled that VA benefits were not countable income for Medicaid purposes, to the extent the benefit was a result of unusual medical expenses. ElderCounsel published a memo regarding the case, authored by attorney Rene Reixach, which provides an excellent synopsis.
Is VA pension countable income?
This is where the majority of the confusion lies, as far as combining VA benefits and Medicaid benefits are concerned. The answer may vary based on the type of VA benefit your client is receiving, the amount of the benefit, and whether your state is an SSI state. The rule of thumb used to be that the base pension was countable income, but the aid and attendance portion was not.
What are the benefits of medicaid?
Typical Medicaid programs cover inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician and surgical services, lab tests and X-rays, family planning services, and prenatal and delivery services for pregnant women. There are also numerous optional benefits that states may choose to provide for Medicaid recipients.
Who is eligible for VA health care?
Who is eligible for military health-care benefits? In general, active service members, retirees, and veterans, other than those who were dishonorably discharged, are eligible for military benefits.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A, which is also known as “hospital insurance,” covers services associated with inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or psychiatric hospital.
What age does Medicare cover?
Medicare provides health insurance for individuals 65 years of age or older, individuals under 65 with certain disabilities, and individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), regardless of any pre-existing medical conditions.
What are the three government programs that offer healthcare?
There are three major government programs that offer healthcare benefits: Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA, formerly the Veterans Administration). Eligibility is different for each program and will depend on things like income level, age, veteran status, and other requirements.
Can you get medicaid if you are blind?
In accordance with federal law, states are required to cover certain individuals, including, but not limited to low income families, qualified pregnant women and children, and individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Individuals may be eligible for Medicaid based on blindness, disability, or age. Although some individuals are exempt from this, some financial eligibility is based on MAGI, or Modified Adjusted Gross Income. To be eligible for Medicaid, individuals must also meet non-financial criteria, including being a resident of the state you receive Medicaid in, and either be a United States citizen or qualified non-citizen.
Who is eligible for medicaid?
Medicaid is a health insurance program that is jointly administered by state and federal governments.It serves low-income and needy individuals who are also over 65, disabled, blind, or parents of minor children. Active military service members and veterans are eligible for health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
What is the difference between VA and Medicaid?
Another important difference between applying for a VA pension versus Medicaid is that a veteran or surviving spouse’s annual income will also be added to their net worth (assets). And it will be counted towards the net worth limit. (This rule was effective 10/18/18.)
Which is better, VA or Medicaid?
Generally speaking, Medicaid is better suited for nursing home care and VA pensions are better for home care or assisted living. There are many factors to consider when deciding from which program to seek assistance.
What is the difference between a VA pension and a medicaid pension?
However, Medicaid and VA pensions have vastly different asset limits and use different methods for determining what is considered a countable asset. In strict terms, one might qualify for Aid and Attendance, but not qualify for Medicaid. Another important difference between applying for a VA pension versus Medicaid is that a veteran or surviving spouse’s annual income will also be added to their net worth (assets). And it will be counted towards the net worth limit. (This rule was effective 10/18/18.) However, before adding annual income to net worth, unreimbursed medical expenses can be deducted from the income. This effectively lowers the amount that must be added to one’s net worth.
What to do if you are single and you are eligible for Medicaid?
If the applicant is single and they are certain that they meet all the eligibility requirements, they should contact their local Area Agency on Aging for Medicaid or their local Veterans Service Office for VA Pensions. If the applicant is married, does not meet the strict eligibility limits or is at all uncertain about their eligibility, ...
How long is the look back period for medicaid?
The look back period works the same for Medicaid, but is a 60-month “look back”. (The only exception is California, which has a 36-month look back period for Medicaid).
Can a married couple receive medicaid?
While a single individual cannot simultaneously receive Medicaid nursing home care and a veteran’s pension, a married couple can be dually eligible. One spouse can receive Medicaid, and the other can receive the Aid and Attendance benefit.
Can you supplement care expenses during the waiting period?
For some families, it is possible to supplement care expenses during the application wait time with eldercare bridge loans. Veterans pension benefits are retroactive to the date of application. And most approved applicants will receive a large lump sum payment shortly after the award is granted. Therefore, it is a simple process to get a loan for the waiting period and re-pay that loan with the lump sum once they have been approved. Learn more.
Does VA cover ER visits?
If the ER visit was after the effective date of your VA rating and you are enrolled in VA health care, VA may cover - contact community care and advise the facility/doctor to bill the nearest VAMC.
Is VA disability compensation a factor in Medicaid eligibility?
Several of our learned friends , relying on old info, may disagree. VA disability compensation is not currently a factor in determining Medicaid eligibility.
What happens if you delay Medicare Part B?
If you delay signing up for Medicare Part B (coverage for doctors and outpatient services) and then need to sign up later because you lose your VA health care benefits or need more choice in care options, you’ll pay a penalty. This penalty gets bigger each year you delay signing up—and you’ll pay it every year for the rest of your life.
Does VA health care meet the ACA?
If I’m signed up for the VA health care program, does that mean I meet the requirements to have health care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Yes. Being signed up for VA health care meets your Affordable Care Act health coverage requirement of having “minimum essential health coverage.”.
Can HRAs reimburse you for non service connected conditions?
We may also accept reimbursement from HRAs for care we provide to treat your non-service-connected conditions.
Does VA pay deductible?
Your private insurer may apply your VA health care charges toward your annual deductible (the amount of money you pay toward your care each year before your insurance starts paying for care).
Do you have to bill your spouse's health insurance?
We’re required by law to bill your health insurance (including your spouse’s insurance if you’re covered under the policy). The money collected goes back to VA medical centers to support health care costs provided to all Veterans.
Can you request a restriction on VA health information?
You can submit a restriction request asking us not to disclose your health information for billing purposes, but we’re not required to grant your request. To submit a restriction request, please contact your nearest VA health facility and ask to talk with the privacy officer. You can also ask to talk with the billing office for more information.
Do we bill Medicare or Medicaid?
We don’t bill Medicare or Medicaid, but we may bill Medicare supplemental health insurance for covered services.
What happens if you don't meet the minimum level of care for Medicaid?
If the individual fails to meet the minimum level of care needed to qualify for that State's Medicaid coverage, then no Medicaid help is forthcoming.
How do Aid and Attendance and Medicaid relate to each other?
How do Medicaid and Aid and Attendance Relate to Each Other? If the person receiving Aid and Attendance Pension is also receiving home care, assisted living care or nursing home care then Medicaid may become part of the planning equation for receiving care. An understanding of Medicaid is needed.
What services does Medicaid cover?
All states, however, must cover these basic services: inpatient and outpatient hospital services, laboratory and X-ray services, skilled nursing and home health services, doctor's services, family planning, and periodic health checkups, diagnosis and treatment for children. Funds for Medicaid are provided jointly by the federal government and ...
How much of Medicaid is spent on elderly?
Even though elderly long term care beneficiaries only represent about 7% of the Medicaid population they account for about 19% of all Medicaid spending. This is because long term care services are very expensive, particularly those funds used for nursing home care.
How many people are on Medicaid for long term care?
Aged long term care Medicaid beneficiaries represent about 7% of the entire Medicaid population or about 4 million beneficiaries. Out of these long term care Medicaid beneficiaries, approximately 1 million are receiving various levels of Medicaid funding support in nursing homes and approximately 3 million are receiving some form of home-based or community-based Medicaid long term care support. Even though elderly long term care beneficiaries only represent about 7% of the Medicaid population they account for about 19% of all Medicaid spending. This is because long term care services are very expensive, particularly those funds used for nursing home care.
How does Medicaid work?
Medicaid is funded and administered through a state-federal partnership. Although there are broad federal requirements for Medicaid, states have a wide degree of flexibility to design their programs. States have authority to establish eligibility standards, determine what benefits and services to cover, and set payment rates. All states, however, must cover these basic services: inpatient and outpatient hospital services, laboratory and X-ray services, skilled nursing and home health services, doctor's services, family planning, and periodic health checkups, diagnosis and treatment for children. Funds for Medicaid are provided jointly by the federal government and the states. On average, the federal government provides about 57% of Medicaid funds and the states provide the other 43%. The amount of shared funding varies from state to state depending on the per capita income in each state. States with low per capita income such as Mississippi receive up to 83% of their Medicaid funding from the federal government and the state provides the other 17%. On the other hand, states with high per capita income such as Connecticut share Medicaid funding with the federal government on a 50% to 50% basis.
How many people in the US are on medicaid?
Currently there are about 60 million people or 20% of the US population receiving Medicaid support.
