How is nursing home long term care paid for in Pittsburgh, Pa?

There are 3 types of Medicaid assistance

1. Medical insurance. If Mom has no suppliment and under the income cap for PA you may want to sign her up for this. She would get health insurance and maybe dental, and Vision. I think prescriptions are always part of the health.

2. In home heath. This is where she would get #1 and an aide to help out.

3. Longterm care. This is where she would be placed in a Longterm care facility. Her SS will be used to help offset the cost of her care and Medicaid paying their share.

All need certain criteria to be met. I see no reason for a lawyer at this point when you can call a Medicaid caseworker and ask questions. Every State is different so u may want to see if they pay for Assisted Living. Here in NJ they do after paying at least 2 yrs private pay.
When I got Mom set up and my nephew, I just went to the County Social Service dept and sat down with a caseworker. They helped with all all the paperwork. But that was before COVID.

If Mom has no assets, then the process is pretty easy. In NJ ur given 90 days, for LTC, from date of application. In that time you need to spend down any assets, get them all info requested, and find a place for Mom. If you go beyond the 90 days, u start all over.

Long term Medicaid or "Nursing Home Medicaid" will pay. She needs to be medically in need of a nursing home though. I would recommend a visit to social services or her local Agency on Aging, she may be qualified now for immediate help with prescription drugs or other medical costs.

It would be money well spent if you could hire a lawyer who possibly specializes in elder care. You could find some and discuss their rates. They can make a huge difference in starting the process of receiving Medicaid. I understand there is not alot of money available but if you could find the right attorney with fair prices it could help greatly.

You can try to get her Medicaid to help with medical bills. They won't pre-approve her for future long term care needs. That process starts when there is a medical need for that kind of care. Medicare will not pay for long term care, it is health insurance and only pays for post hospital rehabilitation in a NH.

Unfortunately, some things can only be dealt with when we get to that bridge.

I would recommend getting all the applications and see what type of documents you will need to submit and start getting all of that compiled and set up a system that every month new statements and such are kept, for ease when the time comes.

Skilled nursing facilities are very expensive. Apply for Medicaid.