How to Find Medicaid-Approved Memory Care Facilities

Finding a Medicaid-approved memory care facility can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down step-by-step makes the process manageable. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how to find the right memory care center that accepts Medicaid.

## What Is Memory Care and Does Medicaid Cover It?

Memory care is specialized support for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. It often involves 24/7 supervision and assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.

Medicaid does cover memory care because it falls under nursing facility services. However, coverage details can vary by state since Medicaid is jointly run by federal and state governments[1]. This means some states might offer long-term nursing home care or in-home services for memory care under Medicaid.

## Step 1: Check Eligibility for Medicaid

Before looking for facilities, make sure your loved one qualifies for Medicaid. Eligibility depends on income level, assets (like savings), age or disability status[4]. Many people are “dually eligible” — enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid — which can help cover more costs[1].

Each state has its own financial limits and medical criteria. For example:

– Financial limits include maximum income and asset thresholds.
– Medical criteria usually require needing a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC), meaning the person needs constant supervision or skilled nursing typical of nursing homes[4].

If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they likely meet many medical requirements but still need an official assessment.

## Step 2: Understand State-Specific Rules

Because each state manages its own program within federal guidelines:

– Contact your State Medicaid Agency to learn about specific benefits available.
– Ask about any additional services beyond mandatory ones like hospital visits or prescription drugs that might be covered alongside memory care[1].
– Find out how your state defines NFLOC—some states require help with two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing or dressing; others may require three[4].

## Step 3: Look for Certified Facilities

To use Medicaid benefits at a memory care center:

– The facility must be certified by Medicare/Medicaid as an approved provider.
– Certification ensures the center meets health safety standards set by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)[2].

You can verify certification status through CMS resources or ask directly when contacting facilities.

## Step 4: Complete Required Assessments

Before admission into a Medicaid-funded nursing home offering memory care:

– A Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) is required federally to assess mental health needs.
– An evaluation confirms if the person requires NFLOC level of service needed in such facilities[5].

This screening helps ensure appropriate placement—sometimes community-based alternatives are better suited than institutional settings depending on individual needs.

## Step 5: Search Using Available Resources

Use these tips when searching:

– Start with your State’s Department of Health or Aging website—they often list approved providers.
– Reach out to local Area Agencies on Aging who provide guidance on senior services including finding suitable facilities.
– Consider consulting eldercare advisors who specialize in navigating long-term care options including financial planning around Medicaid eligibility.

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### Summary

Finding a good memory care facility that accepts Medicaid involves confirming eligibility based on finances and medical need; understanding what your specific state covers; verifying that centers are certified providers; completing necessary preadmission screenings; then using trusted local resources to identify suitable places. Taking these steps will help you secure quality support tailored to someone living with dementia while managing costs through available government programs.