top of page

Medicaid Qualifications: The Basics

Writer's picture: Willow C.Willow C.

Updated: Jan 16


Medicaid eligibilities left on the table when considering either nursing home or assisted living options in the central Oregon area

Understanding the role of Medicaid is crucial if your loved one runs out of money while in a senior care community. Medicaid will cover the cost of senior living, but there are specific qualifying factors to know about.


Does the community have a Medicaid contract?

If you think your loved one might run out of money throughout their life when living in a senior community, then it's important to choose one that has a contract with Medicaid. This means your loved one will be able to stay in the community, even if they run out of money.


Qualifying Factors for Medicaid:

Medicaid eligibility is based on two key areas - levels of assets and care needs. Individuals must deplete personal funds and assets. BUT also a person must be careful to understand what the level of care requirements are. If a person runs out of money while living in a community, but does not meet the care criteria, Medicaid will deny acceptance and will not cover any costs.


Asset Level Requirements:

This can be complex if there is a spousal situation where one person will be staying at home and the other will be going into a community. Here, we discuss requirements for a single person only. For understanding spousal situations call Willow Care.


Individuals who have run out of money in a community cannot access Medicaid until there are $2,000 or less of assets. This means selling property, cashing out life insurance, and spending retirement funds until depleted. If they have more than $2700 in monthly income, they will need to do an Income Cap Trust.


Physical Care Requirements:

This can be a challenging assessment for even those in senior care. But the basic four qualifying areas are below. Individuals can qualify with only one care need.

  • Mobility - one-person transfer assistance most of the time

  • Toileting

  • Feeding - such as bringing a spoon to the resident's mouth

  • Dementia/Memory loss - often related to safety issues (a diagnosis in-of-itself does not qualify)


Call and we can help you feel more at ease on this topic going forward.


 

Here at Willow Care

senior care advisors, senior living consultants, assisted living coordinators, free consultants near me

Willow Care is a local women-owned senior-living advisor agency (*sometimes called senior care agents or senior referral companies) providing free assistance in finding the most suitable senior care communities for families in the Eugene/Springfield area. Their services include personalized consultations to understand individual needs and preferences, expert guidance in navigating the senior care landscape, and compassionate support throughout the entire decision-making process.


The process and options can be quite overwhelming, we know this! And the real value we offer goes beyond what you learn when touring facilities on your own. We have been part of these communities and this industry for decades and bring that expertise to help you and your unique situation. We help you understand the differences in quality care between independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities (aka nursing homes), continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), home care, adult day care, and hospice care and what is the best option for you or your loved one.



 





28 views0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.

Contact us directly and  book a discovery call today.

There are three easy ways to contact us below, either using the request form, phone number, or email. We look forward to hearing from you.

© 2025 Willow Care Consulting. All rights reserved.

bottom of page