Medicaid &
Care Planning
Understanding Medicaid shouldn’t feel like decoding ancient hieroglyphics. Many families believe they’ll automatically qualify, only to find out the rules vary wildly from state to state, and change more often than a teenager’s mood.
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Our goal is to give you simple, trustworthy education so you know what Medicaid covers, what it doesn’t, and when to loop in your state Medicaid office or an elder law attorney for the official answers.
This information is educational only. Medicaid programs differ by state and guidelines change frequently. Open Arms does not process Medicaid applications or determine eligibility. Always verify your specific situation with your state’s Medicaid program or a qualified elder law attorney.
The Three Types of Medicaid Used in Senior Care
Every state gives these programs slightly different names, and the rules aren’t one-size-fits-all. But in general, most seniors fall under one of these three Medicaid pathways:
Standard Medicaid
What it covers:
Basic medical services such as hospital and doctor visits, rehab, outpatient care, and other medical needs. For many seniors, it acts like a secondary insurance.
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General eligibility guidelines (varies by state):
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Based on gross monthly income (before taxes/insurance).
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Usually includes an asset limit (often around $2,000 but highly state-dependent).
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Your home may or may not count as an asset depending on occupancy, equity limits, and whether a spouse still lives there.
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Why it matters:
Every state's rules around home equity, spousal protection/allowances, and exempt assets are different enough to make your head spin. Always confirm the details with your state Medicaid office.
Special Assistance Medicaid
(Also known as Medicaid Personal Care or Residential Care Medicaid, depending on your state.)
What it covers:
Financial support for seniors who need to live in an assisted living or memory care community but cannot afford private pay rates.
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General guidelines:
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Strict asset limit (commonly around $2,000).
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Some states also have income caps.
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Communities that accept Medicaid often have limited availability or waitlists because demand is high.
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Reality check:
Coverage amounts, availability, and acceptance vary so much by state and facility that it’s essential to verify directly with each community.
Long-Term Care Medicaid
(Also known as Nursing Home Medicaid)
What it covers:
This is the Medicaid program specifically for skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes).
It’s not the same as assisted living.
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General guidelines:
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Eligibility is heavily asset-based.
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Strong spousal protection rules (varies by state).
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Requires detailed financial reviews and documentation.
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Many families work with an elder law attorney to structure a legal, compliant “spend-down.”
How Open Arms Can Help
We can’t file your Medicaid application or determine your eligibility, but we can help you understand your financial picture, care options, and the smartest financial path forward if Medicaid may be part of your future.
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Our team helps families:
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Understand how assets influence future care options
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Build a Financial Healthcare Plan™ that stretches finances wisely
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Prepare for care costs before Medicaid becomes necessary
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Connect with trusted elder law and estate attorneys
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Understand timelines, spend-down concepts, and realistic long-term care planning
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This is ideal for families who:
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Have $100,000+ in assets
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Need help planning for care now, while preserving resources
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Expect they may rely on Medicaid down the road, but not right now
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Prefer proactive planning instead of last-minute scrambling during crises​
