March 1, 2025 | Seniors

During Hurricane Harvey thousands of rooftop evacuations were performed, some on live television. Those rescued took whatever they could grab and left the rest behind. In the chaos of the storm, this often meant prescription medications. Those living in hurricane-affected areas may one day be the person rescued. Prepare with a plan to get emergency prescription medication.

Texas law permits pharmacists to dispense 30-day supplies of medicine in case of emergency. In the aftermath of Harvey, local and federal responders created mobile medical facilities for dispensing medications and limited care to affected communities. These operate within the worst-hit areas, and outside offering care to stranded motorists and other evacuees. The American Red Cross is also an active participant in disaster-relief efforts, creating access to prescriptions through a network of volunteer medical staff.

Inspect all medication for water or other damage. Medications can become hazardous if exposed to water and other elements. Consult a professional for advice on questionable medications.

In Hurricane Harvey, floodwaters rose quickly. Many were caught off-guard due to controlled flooding and rapid rainfall. Plan ahead with a list of resources for obtaining medical care and prescription drugs during an emergency:

Community centers and designated storm shelters often have charity and medical staff on-site. They are authorized for dispensing prescription medication and immediate medical care.
RxOpen.org lists American Red Cross shelters and pharmacies in the are. Maps are available with updated open/closed status for each pharmacy listed.
The National Cancer Institute offers direction for locating cancer treatment care during emergencies. For more information visit Cancer.gov or call 1-800-4CANCER.
Medicare recipients can call 1-800-MEDICARE for information on prescription drug access, dialysis, and other medical needs

Storms form quickly and can be unpredictable. Prepare ahead of time. Plan for medical care during an emergency and never miss a dose. Our insurance agents are always on the lookout for great topics to help save money and live better. Call anytime for answers for an insurance quote, or answers to insurance questions.

Many families struggle understanding the complex requirements to qualify for Medicaid nursing home care. The language can be confusing, nursing home regulations are complex, and requirements vary by state. Specific requirements will vary by individual but that being said, here are the basic qualifications for Medicaid nursing home care:

Eligibility Requirements

The Medicaid program is a joint federal and state effort representing the largest source of retirement home revenue in the United States. This program offers care options for those in need due to health or financial position. Medicaid eligibility begins with a valuation of income, savings, and assets. The valuation process will vary by state, and several calculations are considered when determining eligibility.

Complicated math. The math to qualify can become tricky. In some states, qualification begins once personal worth dips below $2000.00. Housing factors separately, with calculations changing based on home value. Some personal property and household goods are counted separately, and life insurance policies may be independently factored. Bear in mind that while home values may be viewed separately, applicants deemed unable to return home may have potential home sales values taken into effect. There are exceptions, of course, speak to a health insurance carrier for more detailed information.
Medicaid is a supplement. Once all sources of income (including investments, retirement pensions, social security and others) are tallied, prepare to still spend 80-90% of personal income on nursing home care. Medicaid is used in conjunction with personal income. An allowance of 10-20% of personal income is typical for those residing in nursing homes.
Financial records. The net-worth requirements are investigated dating back five years. For those planning to quickly give away possessions to qualify, think again. Medicaid officials are thorough, exploring bank records for the past five years. Suspicious activity, including a rash of gift-giving, may raise red flags suspending care upon investigation. Using determined formulas, officials can help identify those trying to expedite Medicaid eligibility. For example, gifts totaling $50,000 in a state where typical monthly nursing home costs are $5,000 would disqualify eligibility for ten months ($5,000 x 10).

Spousal Security

Medicaid has specific guidelines for couples. When one person goes into a nursing home and the other continues to live at home, the healthy spouse can keep 50% of the couple’s possessions. There is a cap on this amount which will vary by state. Assets included in this calculation include the house, furnishings and household goods, as well as one car. The person living at home can also receive a portion of the other’s income, usually between $2,030-$3022. Income beyond the allowable amount will go towards paying nursing home costs.

Medicare is Different

Medicare is the government medical insurance program for adults aged 65 and older. The program also serves some younger individuals with serious health problems. Medicare is structured for medically-necessary, short-term rehabilitative care. Nursing home care is unavailable through the Medicare program.

Finding More Information

For more information on Medicaid contact the state Medicaid office. Contact information can be found at www.Medicaid.gov. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Shiptacenter.org) can help with any Medicare or Medicaid questions.

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Month: November 2017

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