Iowa Medicaid Eligibility Guidelines: 3 Things To Know As A Caregiver
Medicaid is a low-income health care program. Each state administers its own program, outlining benefits and setting eligibility requirements. Iowa’s Medicaid program includes options for older adults to receive in-home care.
If you’re a family caregiver, you could be getting paid through Iowa Medicaid. In this blog, we’ll share important information about eligibility:
- What Medicaid is and what it covers
- How income and assets determine eligibility
- How waivers can help your loved one get in-home care
- How seniors may be eligible for Iowa Medicaid member services even if their income is too high
If you reside in Iowa, you have free access to Trualta for even more information about caregiving. If you live in another state, you can check if you also have free access to Trualta.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health care program for low-income individuals. Medicaid coverage includes people of all ages but with specific requirements. Medicaid targets low-income:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Seniors 65 and older
- Individuals with disabilities
Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and each state’s government. The federal government sets minimum guidelines for assistance and eligibility requirements.
Each state government creates its own Medicaid program. The state programs must fall within the federal government’s minimum guidelines. If you’re a caregiver in the state, it’s important to understand the specific eligibility guidelines of Iowa Medicaid.
What Does Iowa Medicaid Cover?
Iowa’s Medicaid program includes several benefits for low-income residents. Most Medicaid members in the state are enrolled in Iowa Health Link. IA Health Link is a managed care program. These are just a few examples of services and medical care covered:
- Ambulances and emergency care
- Ambulatory surgery
- Dental care
- Eye care
- Home health care
- Home and community-based services
- Hospital care
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Transportation
Home health care is important for helping older adults stay in their homes longer. Low-income Iowa seniors who qualify can receive these services and have them covered by Medicaid.
3 Important Facts About Iowa Medicaid Eligibility Guidelines
Iowa health care and Medicaid eligibility is important for caregivers and care recipients. It helps care recipients get the care they need. For family caregivers, Medicaid coverage provides a way to get paid while caring for a loved one.
If you’re a family caregiver and your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, you could get paid for the services you provide. Here are three important things you need to know about Iowa Medicaid income eligibility requirements.
1. Medicaid Eligibility Is Based On Income & Assets
Medicaid was established to provide health care for low-income individuals. This is the primary qualifying requirement. If your loved one qualifies, they’re eligible for professional home health services. These include up to five skilled nursing visits per week and up to 28 hours per week with home health aides.
Eligibility for these services is based on medical needs, income, and assets. If your loved one is 65 or older and has a medical need, they must also meet these financial requirements:
- An income of less than $2,829 per month
- Assets worth less than $2,000
The assets included in these requirements are cash and anything that can be quickly converted to cash. Examples include stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. Assets include real estate, but the primary residence is exempt.
2. Medicaid Waivers Are Available, But Limited
Medicaid waivers are like a Medicaid expansion. They allow states to offer extra services not typically covered by Medicaid. Iowa has several waiver programs. The Elderly Waiver helps qualified older adults receive home care as an alternative to moving to a nursing home. The Elderly Waiver is a way for family caregivers to be paid for the personal care they provide.
Unfortunately, the Elderly Waiver is not an entitlement. This means that eligibility does not guarantee benefits. The number of slots is limited. If you qualify but enrollment is full, your loved one will be added to a waitlist.
You can help your loved one apply for a waiver through the Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) portal. You can also apply in person at an Iowa HHS office. Approval can take a few months. Make sure you have all the right documentation before applying to avoid any additional delays.
3. Older Adults Over The Income Limit May Still Qualify For Medicaid
What if your loved one doesn’t meet the income and asset requirements? They may still qualify. They can use one of several Medicaid planning strategies to become eligible. Some are simple, while others are more complicated.
One common strategy is to use a Qualified Income Trust. The individual deposits excess income into a trust. Once in the trust, it doesn’t count as income. This strategy effectively lowers their income.
Another option is to use Irrevocable Funeral Trusts (IFTs). These are pre-paid burial and funeral trusts. Your loved one can place excess income or assets in an IFT. This is another way to lower assets and income to qualify.
These are simple ways to qualify for Medicaid, but it’s still easy to make mistakes. If you don’t plan assets and income carefully, mistakes can delay benefits. It may even lead to a denial of benefits.
Work with a Medicaid planner if you need strategies to qualify. Professional planners are knowledgeable and experienced. They can help your loved one use various strategies to qualify and get the benefits they need.
Medicaid coverage is important for many Iowa seniors. If your loved one qualifies, they can benefit from self-directed care. They can choose their caregivers, and family members can get paid for their time.
Do you have more questions or need additional information? If you reside in Iowa, you have free access to Trualta’s library of caregiver and home care resources. If you live in another state, you can check if you also have free access to Trualta.
References
- https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/what-is-the-difference-between-medicare-medicaid/index.html
- https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowa-medicaid/iowa-medicaid-programs
- https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowa-medicaid/iowa-medicaid-programs/home-health
- https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-iowa/
- https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/iowa-elderly-waiver/
