Medicaid Eligibility for Assisted Living in New Jersey

You or your loved one may be eligible for Medicaid coverage of assisted living costs in New Jersey. Learn about the Medicaid program and how to apply for benefits.

Checkout this video:

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families. In some states, Medicaid also covers the cost of long-term care, such as in assisted living facilities.

In order to be eligible for Medicaid coverage of assisted living in New Jersey, an individual must meet certain financial and medical criteria. First, the individual must have a low income and few assets. Second, the individual must need help with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, or dressing.

If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for Medicaid coverage of assisted living in New Jersey, please contact your local Medicaid office for more information.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a long-term care option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and using the restroom. Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, and personal care services in a safe and supportive environment. Most assisted living facilities also offer social and recreational activities to help residents stay connected to their community.

Who is eligible for Medicaid in New Jersey?

There are many different factors that can affect whether or not someone is eligible for Medicaid in New Jersey. To be eligible for Medicaid coverage of assisted living costs, an applicant must:
-Be a NJ resident
-Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
-Be age 65 or older, or be disabled
-Have an annual income that does not exceed $2,349 (as of 2019)
-Not have assets that exceed $2,000 (as of 2019)

In addition to meeting the above criteria, applicants must also be able to prove that they require the level of care provided in an assisted living facility This can be done by providing a doctor’s certification stating that the applicant requires help with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc., or by showing that the applicant has significant cognitive impairments.

How do I apply for Medicaid in New Jersey?

If you meet the income and asset requirements, you can apply for Medicaid through your local county welfare office or the state’s Department of Human Services. You will need to fill out an application and provide proof of your income and assets.

What are the income and asset limits for Medicaid in New Jersey?

In order to be eligible for Medicaid coverage of assisted living in New Jersey, an individual must have a countable income below $2,349 per month and countable assets valued at no more than $2,000.

An individual’s “countable income” is their total monthly income from all sources, minus any applicable deductions.

Deductions that may be taken from an individual’s income include:
-a personal needs allowance of $50 per month;
-any medical or dental expenses that are deducted from their monthly income;
-any medical insurance premiums that are deducted from their monthly income; and
-any amounts paid towards the cost of their assisted living care.

An individual’s “countable assets” are all of their property and possessions, minus any exempt assets. Exempt assets include:
-the individual’s primary residence;
-one automobile;
-personal belongings; and
-prepaid funeral arrangements.

What services does Medicaid cover in assisted living?

In order to be eligible for Medicaid coverage of assisted living in New Jersey, recipients must require help with at least two activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, using the restroom, transferring (e.g., from a bed to a chair), and/or walking. In addition, recipients must be able to self-evacuate in the event of an emergency.

Does Medicaid cover the cost of a private room in assisted living?

No, Medicaid does not cover the cost of a private room in assisted living. You may be eligible for Medicaid coverage if you require nursing care or have a disability that prevents you from living independently.

How much does Medicaid pay for assisted living in New Jersey?

In order to be eligible for Medicaid coverage of assisted living in New Jersey, applicants must be 65 years of age or older, blind, or have a disability that prevents them from living independently. They must also have a monthly income that does not exceed $2,349 and assets that do not exceed $2,000.

If an applicant meets all of the above criteria, Medicaid will cover the cost of their assisted living expenses up to a maximum of $1,604 per month.

What if I need more care than Medicaid covers in assisted living?

If you need more care than Medicaid covers in an assisted living facility, you may be eligible for Medicaid waiver services. These services are designed to help you live in the community instead of a nursing home. To be eligible, you must:
-Be age 21 or over
-Be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigrant status
-Have a disability that is expected to last at least one year or be terminally ill
-Meet the income and asset limits for Medicaid
-Need nursing home level of care, but choose to live in the community
If you are eligible for Medicaid Waiver services, you will have a care plan that is designed to meet your needs and help you live as independently as possible. Services may include: case management, personal care, Home Health Care respite care, homemaker services, and more.

Are there any other programs that can help me pay for assisted living in New Jersey?

There are several programs that can help you pay for assisted living in New Jersey. Medicaid is a government-funded program that provides health care benefits to low-income individuals and families. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to use your benefits to help pay for assisted living. There are also a number of private organizations that provide financial assistance to seniors who need help paying for assisted living.