For many aging New Yorkers, a disability or chronic illness will eventually lead to some form of long-term care. This doesn’t always need to involve a nursing home stay, however. There are ways to get care at your residence with proper advance planning.
How Medicaid Can Cover Home-Based Services
In the state of New York, if you already qualify for Medicaid to cover a nursing home stay, you are typically also eligible for home and community-based services as well. So long as you meet the age, income, or disability requirements, Medicaid can cover the cost of services aimed at helping you age in place rather than relocating to an expensive facility.
The goal is to help you stay in your community and let you retain the sense of familiarity offered by your own home. That can be particularly important in situations of cognitive decline or mental illness where a sudden move to an unfamiliar setting can be disastrous.
If you think you will eventually need home-based care or are facing a sudden health shift requiring emergency changes right now, talk to an attorney to find out if you meet eligibility requirements and discover what specific benefits you may be able to receive. Depending on your circumstances, Medicaid in New York can specifically cover home-based services such as:
- Case management by a registered nurse
- Certain home modifications for accessibility
- Equipment such as wheelchairs or prosthetic limbs
- Meals delivered to home
- Medical services
- Personal care aides
- Respite for caregivers and social daycare
- Respiratory care
- Therapy (occupational, physical, or speech)
Prepare for Your Future Health Needs With a Medicaid Planning Attorney
If you specifically want to remain in your home as long as possible rather than living in a nursing home, it is critical to meet with a lawyer early. Your ability to qualify and receive benefits can be delayed or denied entirely depending on the financial decisions you make in the years before needing coverage. Schedule an appointment with Alatsas Law Firm to discuss how we can help you get the home-based medical services you need.
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