Medicaid is the federally funded health insurance program designed to provide low-income individuals with coverage. In Oklahoma, SoonerCare is the state Medicaid program. Although the federal government sets the general guidelines for the insurance, Oklahoma has its own requirements for qualifying and criteria used to determine eligibility. Elderly recipients can use Medicaid to cover nursing expenses, for example, if long-term care is deemed necessary.
Instructions
1. Visit your local Oklahoma Department of Human Services. A caseworker will assist you with the application process and in gathering the necessary information, such as your income, assets, family size and medical information, if needed.
2. Meet the individual requirements. You must be at least 65 years of age or older to receive nursing home coverage. If you are under age 65, you must be disabled or legally blind. Disability must be determined by the Social Security Administration.
3. Maintain assets within the limitations. You cannot have more than $2,000 in assets to be eligible for Medicaid in Oklahoma. Your home, primary vehicle and personal possessions are exempt.
4. Earn less than the allowed amount annually. For individuals, you cannot exceed $24,264 a year or $2,022 a month if living in an institution, such as a nursing home. Disabled applicants not living in an institution cannot exceed $8.592 annually or $716 a month. All earnings are calculated, including unearned income such as money from a rental property. For income guidelines based on household size, refer to chart found on the Oklahoma Health Care Authority website (see Resources).
5. Enter a certified nursing home. Medicaid will only cover nursing home costs at approved facilities. If you need help locating a nursing home, visit the Nursing Home Compare section on the Medicare website. Not all nursing homes that accept Medicare accept Medicaid. Narrow your search by selecting "Medicaid."
Tags: nursing home, cannot exceed, cover nursing, living institution
