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Medicaid Is Vital for Some in Florida

Long-term care is important for older individuals, and it can be essential for anyone, rich or poor. In this news release from Feb. 6, Floridians discussed how important long-term care is for individuals who are not yet ready for nursing home care. Medicaid offers a long-term care program that currently serves over 48,000 people in Florida, and this includes people who may not require around-the-clock care but do need help to live with some independence.

According to one woman, she suffers from high blood pressure, arthritis and chronic back pain. She’s only 68, and she doesn’t want to be in a nursing home. She says that with the help of Medicaid, she’s able to afford help with chores around the home that she wouldn’t normally be able to do.

Many low-income people benefit from Medicaid, which can help them stay in their homes in some cases. Others end up in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. In the 68-year-old woman’s case, she has a caregiver who comes three times a week. He reported that he helps with the normal things you would do at home, like mopping, dusting, grocery shopping and doing laundry. This kind of care, according to the news, is called custodial care, and it’s covered by the Medicaid Long-Term Care. This is specifically designed to help cover non-clinical health issues, which helps hospitals and doctor appointments remain only for those with medical problems. Medicaid health insurance programs are separate from the long-term care program.

Medicaid assistance is available for those who make around $25,000 or less each year, according to the news. There are also rules about what assets you can have. Of course, this aid is vital for some, which is why it’s been reported that Florida has a long waiting list of around 39,000 individuals.

Source: Health News Florida, “Long-Term Care a Lifeline for Poor” Mary Shedden, Feb. 06, 2014

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