People pay for assisted living using a variety of sources such as savings, retirement funds, life insurance policies, and other assets. Seniors with long-term care insurance or who qualify for Medicaid or VA benefits may receive more assistance. Many families are disappointed to learn that assisted living isn’t covered by Medicare or other health insurance, since it’s a form of long-term care. This is why it’s important to have a plan that covers long-term senior care needs.
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families in Nevada, and is a joint program between the federal government and the state. The federal government sets parameters for the program and the state operates the program as they see fit within the given parameters. Nevada Medicaid has a Long Term Services and Support (LTSS) unit that provides ongoing care for elderly and / or disabled individuals. As with all of the states, Medicaid will cover the cost of nursing home care, as well as some personal care. For more information please call their intake unit at 702-486-3545, option #3.
Nevada also offers The Home and Community Based Waiver, for the Frail Elderly, also referred to as the HCBW-FE Waiver. Via this program, supportive, non-medical services are available to seniors in their home, in the home of a relative, or in the community. Benefits may include adult day care, respite care, homemaker and chore services, meal preparation, and adult companionship. Personal care services may also be sought in assisted living facilities that have been approved by the state.
Veterans Benefit Each benefit has different requirements and may require a separate application. Aid and Attendance, VA Survivors Pension or basic pension, disability compensation, and VA health insurance can all be used for assisted living care. Here are some programs that aid veterans with assisted living.
The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit could be the solution to help offset these rising care costs. A wartime veteran or their surviving spouse with limited income may be eligible to receive a non-service connected pension (this means that the need for care does not have to result from one’s military service). There are three levels of VA Pensions: • Basic Pension / Improved Income – for healthy veterans over the age of 65 with low incomes • Aid & Attendance (A&A) – for veterans over the age of 65 that require assistance with their activities of daily living • Housebound – for veterans with a disability rating of 100% that prevents them from leaving their home, but does not have to be related to their military service.
The Aid & Attendance and Housebound pensions provide additional monthly income over and above the Basic Monthly pension. To be eligible for either of these pensions, one must also meet the requirements for the Basic Pension. Veterans who are certain they are eligible – If a veteran is highly confident that they meet ALL eligibility requirements, they can use the following application methods. Little or no human assistance will be available.
