<h2>Yes - Medicaid Covers Nursing Home Care</h2><p>Unlike Medicare (which covers only short-term skilled nursing after hospitalization), Medicaid covers long-term nursing home care indefinitely for those who qualify. This is the primary safety net for the majority of Americans who ultimately need nursing home care.</p><h2>Who Qualifies for Medicaid Nursing Home Coverage</h2><p>Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care has two components:</p><h3>Medical Eligibility</h3><p>The person must require a 'nursing home level of care' - typically defined as needing substantial assistance with at least 2-3 activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, toileting, continence) or having significant cognitive impairment that creates safety risks.</p><h3>Financial Eligibility</h3><p>Income and asset limits vary by state, but the general framework is:</p><ul><li><strong>Income:</strong> Most states use 300% of the SSI benefit rate (~$2,829/month in 2025) as the income limit</li><li><strong>Assets:</strong> Most states allow $2,000 in countable assets for an individual ($3,000 for couples in some states)</li><li><strong>Exempt assets:</strong> Primary home (if spouse or dependent child lives there), one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial funds are typically exempt</li></ul><h2>The Look-Back Period</h2><p>Medicaid examines your parent's financial transactions from the past 5 years. Asset transfers during this period may result in a penalty (a period of ineligibility). This is why Medicaid planning - ideally beginning years before care is needed - is so valuable.</p><h2>Medicaid Planning: What's Legal</h2><p>Contrary to common belief, there are legal strategies to protect family assets while qualifying for Medicaid. These include Medicaid-compliant annuities, irrevocable trusts established before the look-back period, caregiver child exceptions, and spousal protections. An elder law attorney can help structure your family's finances optimally.</p>