Does Medicaid pay for nursing home?

I would like to add that there must be a medical need for a nursing home to be allowed to move in.

If you have not already had a needs assessment done I would recommend contacting the local area on aging and getting that done. They are also a great resource for you to find out how to get other services while you are arranging the care required by the assessment.

Yes, if you qualify. They can look back into your finances 5 years. A Medicaid bed means a shared room, no exceptions. My MIL is a Medicaid recipient and is in a nice NH receiving the same care and attention as the private pay residents, only she has a roommate. FYI NHs usually have a limited amount of beds reserved for Medicaid and the existing residents get first dibs on those rooms once they qualify so there may be waiting lists depending on what state you are in. If you still have some assets I would consult an elder care attorney to make sure you will pass the look-back scrutiny because if you don't it could delay your ability to qualify. Good luck!

The general answer is Yes, but with conditions that have to be met, which vary from state to state. Medicaid is a state run program, vs Medicare health insurance which is federal. You can go on-line and look at your state Medicaid program as they usually spell out the conditions, and you can read the application forms which show you what information they’re looking for.
Your profile says your husband is living at home with dementia, so I assume you’re asking this regarding him. In this case you are called the “community spouse” as you would still be living in the community, if he was in a NH. Medicaid will not impoverish the community spouse. This is a little more complicated application and it’s best to speak to an elder care attorney who can help with the application so you protect your share of the assets.

Osprey, best to contact your State Medicaid office to see what is available. One has to apply and be accepted by Medicaid [which is different from Medicare] in order to use the Medicaid program. I have heard that Medicaid will pay for room/board and care in a nursing home.