If Social Security income is too high for Medicaid who pays for nursing home care?

Thank you!

Speak to business office at nursing home, they should be able to refer you to the right person.

MassHealth's Income Limit for Long-Term Care
If you are 65 or older, you can qualify for MassHealth if your income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty rate, or $1,041 per month in 2019. People who receive SSI already qualify to receive MassHealth.
If your income is above the limit but you need help with nursing home costs, you still might be able to qualify for Medicaid if you're already paying for a nursing home or have other significant medical expenses. A MassHealth worker will determine your excess monthly income to see if you qualify. Excess monthly income is income left over after subtracting Medicare or other health insurance premiums, a personal needs allowance, and any spousal or family maintenance needs allowances. That amount, multiplied by six, is the "deductible" that you must meet in a six-month period to be eligible for MassHealth. You must show proof that your nursing home costs or medical expenses equal the required deductible amount. Once you show medical expenses that equal your deductible, then you are eligible for MassHealth for the entire six-month period.

Check out this website: https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-massachusetts/

In particular, this paragraph: 2) Medicaid Planning – the majority of persons considering Medicaid are “over-income” or “over-asset” or both, but still cannot afford their cost of care. For persons in this situation, Medicaid planning exists. By working with a Medicaid planning professional, families can employ a variety of strategies to help them become Medicaid eligible. Read more or connect with a Medicaid planner.

Massachusetts doesn’t allow qualifies income (Miller) trusts.

Thank you. We are in Massachusetts.

You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in elder law for her state. Money well spent but do it before her money runs out.

Please let us know the state.  Some states allow a deduction for medical expenses, such as NH.  Some allow a Miller trust, which all goes to the state.