Medical Assistance
Here's an understatement: The Medical Assistance system is pretty complex.
We can help, but the most reliable and up-to-date information will come directly from the county. We are in Cass County, and consider ourselves fortunate to work with amazing, caring social workers and public health nurses. Really.... It's a pleasure teaming with these people to serve Cass County residents. If you're not in Cass County, they can help you coordinate a transfer from the county where you currently reside.
If you don't have funds to pay for your care (or your liquid assets won't last more than about 4 months), we recommend that you schedule a Long Term Care Consultation (LTCC) soon:
Call the county and set up a Long Term Care Consultation. This process can easily take 3 months or more, so sooner is better than later. (If you need help now, but haven't done this, come see us anyway.) The main Cass County number is 218-547-1340. They'll direct your call.
A nurse and/or social worker will meet with you, perform an assessment, and determine whether or not you meet the medical qualifications for 24 hour care. (If you qualify for "Customized Living", but not 24-hour care, we may still be able to help you.) They will also determine your financial eligibility. If you qualify, you will be assigned a case manager (usually the nurse or social worker you already met), and will be put in touch with the financial worker, who is in charge of getting all the documentation ducks in a row. She'll ask for proof of home ownership, bank statements, etc.
* What if I have significant assets, but little cash?
You may qualify for Medical Assistance. For example, MA may pay for your care while your house is up for sale. When your house sells, you would use that income to pay for your own care again. The rules change often, so again, you'll need to get specifics directly from the county.
* What if I have a significant monthly income, but it's not enough to pay for my
care?
You may still qualify for Medical Assistance. If you do, you would be expected to contribute toward your care. Your required contribution is called your "Waiver Obligation".
We can help, but the most reliable and up-to-date information will come directly from the county. We are in Cass County, and consider ourselves fortunate to work with amazing, caring social workers and public health nurses. Really.... It's a pleasure teaming with these people to serve Cass County residents. If you're not in Cass County, they can help you coordinate a transfer from the county where you currently reside.
If you don't have funds to pay for your care (or your liquid assets won't last more than about 4 months), we recommend that you schedule a Long Term Care Consultation (LTCC) soon:
Call the county and set up a Long Term Care Consultation. This process can easily take 3 months or more, so sooner is better than later. (If you need help now, but haven't done this, come see us anyway.) The main Cass County number is 218-547-1340. They'll direct your call.
A nurse and/or social worker will meet with you, perform an assessment, and determine whether or not you meet the medical qualifications for 24 hour care. (If you qualify for "Customized Living", but not 24-hour care, we may still be able to help you.) They will also determine your financial eligibility. If you qualify, you will be assigned a case manager (usually the nurse or social worker you already met), and will be put in touch with the financial worker, who is in charge of getting all the documentation ducks in a row. She'll ask for proof of home ownership, bank statements, etc.
* What if I have significant assets, but little cash?
You may qualify for Medical Assistance. For example, MA may pay for your care while your house is up for sale. When your house sells, you would use that income to pay for your own care again. The rules change often, so again, you'll need to get specifics directly from the county.
* What if I have a significant monthly income, but it's not enough to pay for my
care?
You may still qualify for Medical Assistance. If you do, you would be expected to contribute toward your care. Your required contribution is called your "Waiver Obligation".
