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If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for Medicaid. Most of your health care costs are covered if you have Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that helps with medical costs for some people with low incomes and limited resources. Medicaid programs vary from state to state.

Who is eligible and what services are covered vary from state to state. Most often, eligibility is based on your income and personal resources. The best sources for that information are the state Medicaid office or an attorney. In some states, people with Medicaid may get coverage for things like nursing home care, home care, and outpatient prescription drugs that aren’t covered by Medicare.

Sometimes you must spend down your personal resources (assets) before you qualify. You may want to get more detailed information from your state Medicaid office or an attorney before spending down your resources. Some people think that giving their resources to a family member or friend will make them eligible for Medicaid. There are certain rules for spending down your resources. States are required to find out if any resources were given away before you get Medicaid. If a state finds that resources were given away, the state must charge you a penalty. For example, this penalty may be to stop paying for your nursing home care. To avoid a penalty, you should talk with your state Medicaid office or an attorney about what you can and can’t do with your resources. Listed below are some opportunities and requirements/limits for Medicaid:

Medicaid Opportunities: Medicaid Requirements/Limits: Medicaid pays for some long-term care services at home, in the community, and in a nursing home. You must meet low income and limited asset tests in your State and limited to a Medicaid licensed facility with an available Medicaid bed. You might be able to stay in your home and get your long-term care services. You must meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Look at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ website for:

• general information about Medicaid
• information about Medicaid eligibility and the transfer of assets
• information about Medicaid eligibility and the treatment of trusts

To get information on Medicaid eligibility requirements in your state, call your State Medical Assistance office. You can find their telephone number under the Helpful Contacts section on this website.