MYTH: Once you qualify for Medicaid nursing home care benefits, Medicaid will pay 100% of the cost.
MYTH BUSTED:
Contrary to popular belief, receiving Medicaid doesn’t mean the government automatically pays the entire bill for your nursing home care. In reality, you are expected to contribute a significant portion of your income towards the cost of care. This is known as the co-share, patient liability, or patient share of cost, and plays a crucial role in covering the expenses of your long-term care.
Patient liability is your total monthly income minus approved allowances or deductions. The remaining amount is what you pay to the nursing home, while Medicaid covers the rest of the bill.
With nursing home care in Georgia averaging $9,000-$11,000 per month, the financial benefit far outweighs the complexity of navigating Medicaid.
Let’s look at an example:
Understanding your share of nursing home care costs when you’re a Medicaid beneficiary is crucial for financial planning and ensuring the well-being of both the beneficiary and their family members. While it may appear complicated at first, knowing the approved allowances and deductions can help make the process go smoothly.