Dealing With Medical Debt
It is important to plan for medical expenses. Equally important is knowing how to deal with medical bills when you have no money to pay them.
Do I Have to Sell or Liquidate All of My Assets to Qualify for Medicaid?
There are a number of different Medicaid programs that can assist elderly or disabled Iowans pay medical bills, home health care expenses and nursing home expenses. Most programs require that your total assets or "resources" be below certain levels in order to qualify.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders: What Are They and What's New?
People often worry about being revived when they are terminally ill and dying. Being revived can be painful and unwanted. If you are or become terminally ill, you should know about "Do-Not-Resuscitate" or "DNR" Orders.
Gifts and Qualifying for Medicaid for Nursing Home Care
Medicaid can help elderly or disabled Iowans pay nursing home and home health care expenses. To be eligible, your income and assets must be below certain levels. If you give away money or other assets to anyone other than your spouse, you may be ineligible for Medicaid. In addition, the state may seek to recover the assets you gave away.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Programs
Sometimes a person who requires health-related care and assistance with activities of daily living does not need or want to move out of his or her home. Medicaid may be able to provide help for persons with disabilities who can live at home with support.
Medicaid Payment for Nursing Home Care
Many people rely on Medicaid, also known as Title 19, to pay for their nursing home care. People may generally receive Medicaid payment for their nursing home care if their income is $2,829 or less per month and their nonexempt resources are $2,000 or less.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for People Who Get Medicaid
Medicare provides prescription drug coverage for people who are eligible for Medicare alone, and for those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. "Dual eligibles" are the group of Medicare eligibles who also qualify for Medicaid.
Miller Trusts: Helping Pay for Nursing Home Care
Miller Trusts can resolve the problem facing people with too much income to get Medicaid, but not enough to pay for nursing home care. Miller Trusts can also be used to qualify for in-home assistance under the Medicaid Elderly Waiver program.
Need Help With Medicare Expenses? Check Out the QMB and SLMB Programs
The State of Iowa offers the QMB and SLMB programs to help pay for certain Medicare-related expenses. If you think you are eligible, apply at your local Department of Health and Human Services office.
Review Your Medicare Part D Prescription
Every year, you have a chance to make changes for the following year to your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or to your Medicare Advantage plan.