Our law firm has created a number of Legal Guides for our clients and website guests to provide a better understanding of important and often complex legal subjects. The Legal Guides are offered free of charge. One of the Legal Guides available to the public discusses The Basic Rules of Medicaid Eligibility.

For practical purposes, in the United States the only public medical “insurance” plan available to pay for long-term care, provided at home and in an institution, is Medicaid (called “Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports” or “MLTSS” in New Jersey).

Medicare pays for only 23 percent of long-term care costs in the United States, and benefits continue for a maximum of 100 days per “benefit period.” Private medical insurance pays even less. Since few have long-term care insurance, most people pay for long-term care costs privately, out of their own savings, until they spend-down their assets and become eligible for MLTSS.

While eligibility for Medicare is based upon your work history, Medicaid is a public benefit based upon financial need. To be eligible for Medicaid, you must be “impoverished” under the program’s guidelines.

In this informative guide, Attorney Donald D. Vanarelli explains the basic rules of the Medicaid program in New Jersey, how applicants become eligible for benefits, the amount and frequency of benefits available, and the types of care Medicaid benefits can pay for.

To obtain this free Legal Guide, go the Publications page of the Vanarelli website and provide the requested information.

For additional information concerning Medicaid and public benefits planning, visit:

NJ Medicaid and Public Benefits Planning