Knowing how hard it is for seniors to get approved for Medicaid and covered can be challenging. They may encounter factors such as income and asset limitations, intricate forms, and coverage gaps. Also, things like tight access to care and prescription drug assistance, and trouble in acquiring long-term care. This article talks about some of these challenges. It provides good information for elderly people and their families trying to figure out Medicaid coverage.

Eligibility Requirements (I.E., Excess Income and Assets, Application Deadlines)

Medicaid is a needs-based program that provides healthcare to low-income people including many seniors. Lots of seniors struggle with the hard eligibility needs for Medicaid, which varies by state. These can include limits on how much you make and what you have. Which might force seniors to spend some of their savings to qualify for coverage.

Applying for and renewing Medicaid coverage often entails the completion of a few things. You will have multipage-page applications, renewal forms, surveys, or other requests for information. Most information requests and forms must be done and returned within a tight time frame. Failing to do so can lead to denial of coverage. Seniors are not often able to complete these forms and return them in time. They lack transportation and internet access to return the forms online.

Coverage Gaps

Medicaid coverage can vary in crucial ways for seniors. Leaving gaps in services such as dental, vision, and certain types of long-term care. Also, seniors who have Medicare coverage may have too much income to qualify for assistance. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary programs would help them cover their out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn't.

Access to Care

Seniors on Medicaid may face challenges getting care due to the lower refund rates Medicaid pays providers. This can result in fewer doctors and specialists willing to accept Medicaid patients. Which leads to longer wait times and travel distances for treatment. This is a big problem in Arkansas being a rural state. Rural areas have fewer medical specialists. This lack can lead to longer waiting times for appointments. It also reduces access to specialized care that might be only available in more urbanized areas.

Prescription Drug Assistance

Although Medicaid covers prescription drugs, there can be limitations on the types of drugs. You may need requirements for pre-approval, which can delay access to necessary medications. In addition, many important medications can be expensive. This can lead to patients having to skip or even not filling their meds.

Some low-income seniors may be able to get help through the Extra Help program. This is a program designed to assist low-income Medicare recipients in managing their prescription drug costs. This program can lower or even eliminate costs connected with the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Eligibility for the Extra Help depends on the person's resources and income levels. To qualify, a single person must have an income below $22,590 and $30,660 if married. Excluding their home, a car, and a burial plot, should not exceed $17,220 for a single person and $34,360 if married.

Long-Term Care

While Medicaid is the largest source of funding for long-term care in the U.S., obtaining coverage for nursing home care or home health services can be complicated. It requires navigating a difficult approval process. DHS requires seniors to show bank statements and other financial documents that might go back many years. Information related to ownership of assets such as cars or real property is also requested. Getting and gathering this information can be difficult. Especially if a senior is disabled and doesn't have a power of attorney or court-appointed guardian.

Going through these eligibility challenges can be difficult for elderly people and their families. It’s recommended they seek proper legal aid or advice from Medicaid planning experts. These things are needed to safeguard their financial investments while making sure of their eligibility for needed healthcare services.

At the end of the day, Medicaid is an important lifeline for millions of seniors in the U.S. Steering around these obstacles can impact their living conditions. Also, their healthcare outcomes in the golden years of life.

The Center for Arkansas Legal Services understands the issues confronting seniors and is here to help our clients navigate the Medicaid coverage system. If you or someone you know is having an issue with getting the healthcare coverage they need, we encourage you to reach out for legal assistance. You can contact our HelpLine at: (501) 376-3423.

AUTHOR: TREVOR TOWNSEND, STAFF ATTORNEY FOR CENTER FOR ARKANSAS LEGAL SERVICES