Nursing Home Medicaid for Individuals - Hurley Elder Care Law | Georgia's #1 Certified Elder Law Attorney

Nursing Home Medicaid for Individuals
March 18, 2025
POSTED IN: Medicaid Planning TAGS: Medicaid, Qualified Income Trust (QIT)
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Last week, we answered some of the most common questions about Medicaid planning for couples.Today, were focusing on Nursing Home Medicaid rules for individuals, specifically income limits and how they affect eligibility.What Is Nursing Home Medicaid?Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that helps cover the cost of long-term care for those who qualify.In Georgia, Medicaid is the largest payer of nursing home care.

However, its not entirely freenursing home residents on Medicaid must contribute nearly all their income to the facility (with a few exceptions), and Medicaid covers the remaining costs.How Much Income Is Too Much for Medicaid?Georgia has strict income limits for Medicaid eligibility.The current cap is $2,901 per month.While that might sound like a clear-cut rule, its not quite that simple.You might be wondering: If someone makes $3,000 a month, does that mean they dont qualify for Medicaid? The answer is nobecause nursing home care is expensive.

The average cost of a nursing home in Georgia is $10,025 per month, and its often over $11,000 in Metro Atlanta.Most people cant afford to pay at least $7,000 to $10,000 out-of-pocket monthly for care.The good news? A person can still qualify for Medicaid as long as their income is below the private pay rate of the nursing home.In most cases, someone making less than $10,025 per month can still qualify.

A number much higher than many expect.What If My Income Is Over the Limit?If a nursing home residents income is higher than the $2,901/month cap but still less than the actual cost of care, they must use a special type of trust to become eligible for Medicaid.This is called a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also known as a Miller Trust.A QIT only manages incomeUnlike other trusts that typically deal with assets.Essentially, its a required legal tool that helps redirect income in a way that allows someone to qualify for Medicaid while ensuring the nursing home gets paid.

I describe it as an extra hoop to jump through, but its often the key to unlocking Medicaid coverage for those who would otherwise be ineligible.Need Help?Understanding Medicaid rules can be complicated, but you dont have to figure it out alone.If you or a loved one are navigating nursing home Medicaid, we can help guide you through the process and explore all available options.Call Hurley Elder Care Law at 404-843-0121 to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient office locations (Atlanta, Duluth, Peachtree City and Woodstock).
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Posted in Medicaid PlanningTags: Medicaid, Qualified Income Trust (QIT)

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They not only prepared wills for my husband and I, but also helped me through a probate court procedure after my husband's death.They were very thorough, patient and always ready to answer any question that i might have had.Nancy Alexanderread moreread less Nancy Alexander 2/21/2025 A great institution that provides a much neglected but critical role in healthcare and beyond.

Nola Hurley is an incredible face to the group and their team of attorneys are some of the most knowledgeable professionals who have thought through some life affairs that catches many off guard.I plan to use their services for family and professional referrals.read moreread less Sosena Kebede 11/11/2024 I couldnt have had a more pleasant experience when trying to navigate a situation that I wasnt prepared for.Hurley Elder Care Law as a whole and the many people who assisted me were so kind, considerate and helpful every step of the process I was going through.

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