As head of the independent Gallagher Financial Group, Doc Gallagher helps clients plan for retirement. One area of concern among many of Doc Gallagher’s clients involves navigating complex Medicare and Medicaid issues, and ensuring that health care needs are met in old age.

Designed to assist people with extremely limited incomes and resources, Medicaid covers many of the costs associated with nursing home and long-term care. With funding jointly provided by state and federal governments, the program places no limitations on the duration of long-term care and does not involve deductibles or payments. While the great majority of Medicaid recipients are in a nursing home setting, some states have recently relaxed their rules to allow patients to receive coverage in home care or assisted-living situations. 

Medicaid eligibility varies by location, because states administer the program and ultimately decide who is accepted into the Medicaid system. The basic criterion is that individuals must be 65 years or older (or certified blind or disabled of any age). In addition, individuals must fall below state-determined income thresholds to access Medicaid support.