Medicaid is the nation’s widest-ranging health care program, serving more than 72 million low-income Americans from coast to coast. This jointly funded program is regulated by the federal government and administered at the state level.
In Illinois, the Department of Human Services administers Medicaid, and it’s called Medical Assistance. The program provides more than 2.25 million state residents with a number of basic health care services, including primary and specialist care, emergency room visits, hospital stays, lab and X-ray services, prescription drugs and institutional nursing home care.
To qualify for Medical Assistance coverage for long-term care, DeKalb County residents must be blind, disabled or aged 64 and older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Applicants must also have:
- A monthly income of less than $1,041 if single or $1,409 if married and both spouses apply
- Total countable assets of $2,000 or less if single or $3,000 if applying with a spouse
MA factors in income from all sources, but some assets aren’t counted, including a principal home, one vehicle, personal effects and household furnishings.
When only one spouse of a married couple applies, the non-applicant’s income is excluded. Up to $2,739 of the applicant’s monthly income also may be disregarded as a spousal allowance, along with up to $109,540 of the couple’s jointly owned assets.
Seniors with income above the limits may be able to qualify through the
MA spend-down program. This program requires that excess monthly income is spent on allowable medical expenses, such as hospital or doctor bills, prescriptions, supplies or medical treatments, to reach the eligibility income level.
DeKalb County seniors can
apply for MA online, by calling (815) 895-8667 or by visiting the
DHS Family Community Resource Center at 1629 Afton Rd. in Sycamore.