When the U.S. Government provides a program funding care for seniors, states should accept the money and care for seniors. Begun in 2005 under President George W. Bush, the "Money Follows the Person" was designed to allow seniors in nursing homes to transfer home and still receive some level of care through continued Medicaid Funding.
The cost of nursing home care averages more than $5,000 per month; seniors' cost of care is Very Expensive.
BUT, how much more expensive is it to care for seniors in their own home rather than in a nursing home? NOT you might answer. Many seniors could remain in their home or return to their home, but for lack of funding. Medicaid will pay for the nursing home care, but it is very difficult to gain the same level of care at home without Medicaid assistance.
On June 24 this year, the Florida Legislative Budget Commission voted to REJECT $35.7 Million to fund care for seniors in their home. As Florida has one of the Highest Per Capita Populations of Seniors, you would think the Legislature would accept money from a program set up by President George W. Bush. Not so in today's political landscape. The Budget Committee voted to reject the federal money as "duplicative" of state programs and funding. Representatives Ed Hooper, Mike Horner, Matt Hudson, Don Gaetz, Garrett Richter, Stephen Wise, Rob Shenk and Denile Grimsley, all Republicans, voted AGAINST acceptance of the federal money.
When you are trying to find care for your senior adult, it is imperative that all resources be counted to see if they qualify for Medicaid. Unfortunately, "all sources of income" are NOT counted, or even accepted, by the state when they seek to balance the budget.
If you have a senior in need of nursing home care, selecting the right attorney practicing in Elder Law can be challenging. Please call me at 407-645-3297 or visit my website at www.aubreylaw.com
I look forward to speaking with you.
