Medicare and Medicaid
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare
Medicare is an insurance program that primarily serves people over the age of 65, whatever their income; and serves younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Patients pay part of costs through deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums are required for non-hospital coverage. Medicare is a federal program. It is basically the same everywhere in the United States and is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the federal government.
Medicare Does Not Pay for Assisted Living or Memory Care Communities. Medicare will cover the costs for a rehab stay for a certain length of time based on patient progress but facility staff or doctors may give the family very short notice of discharge. For more information regarding Medicare and its components, please go to http://www.medicare.gov.
Medicaid
Medicaid is an assistance program. It serves low-income people of every age. Patients usually pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses. A small co-payment is sometimes required. Medicaid is a federal-state program. It varies from state to state. It is run by state and local governments within federal guidelines. Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona's Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents. Individuals must meet certain income and other requirements to obtain services. The majority of assisted living and memory care communities located within Maricopa County are private pay. However, our experienced advisors may be able to help you locate communities that accept Medicaid Benefits. For more information on Arizona's Medicaid Program, please visit https://www.azahcccs.gov/
Veterans Benefits
Aid and Attendance in Arizona
Providing Long Term Care to Veterans and Military Spouses
What is Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance helps vets and their spouses who cannot live independently. This can include assisted living, other forms of residential care, or in-home caregiving services. The V.A. Aid and Attendance benefit is calculated based on the income of the applicant and whether or not the applicant is married. If the veteran has passed, benefits may still apply to the surviving spouse. Aid and Attendance beneficiaries can receive care in either a residential community such as assisted living, or a residential care home, or in their home through a care giving service. There is a long wait period while the applications are processed. It helps to get started early. A CaringDaughter.com advisor can find providers that work with you while you wait for the benefit. Visit www.va.gov for more information.