Differences in Medical Care Between VA Aid & Attendance and Alabama Medicaid
Differences in Medical Care Between VA Aid & Attendance and Alabama Medicaid
When you’re looking at Alabama Medicaid and the VA Pension (commonly known as “Aid & Attendance”), you’ll notice the many differences between the two.
There are differences in how to qualify and stay qualified.
But the difference we will focus on today is where the money (the benefits) can be spent or used.
With Alabama Medicaid, the money can only go towards care in medicaid eligible facilities, which means that the money is paid directly to the facility by Medicaid.
We are talking about nursing homes when we speak of long term care under Alabama Medicaid.
So instead of the money going to you, your income (unless married then some may not go) and the Medicaid benefits go to the nursing home.
This is completely different for the the VA Aid & Attendance for wartime veterans (or surviving spouses) who are either over 65 or 100% disabled (non service related).
With this benefit, the money goes directly to the veteran (or surviving spouse) — it goes into their checking account.
The benefits can be used anywhere. Any assisted living facility, home health, etc.
Alabama Medicaid looks at the need and says “As long as you get treatment here, we will pay the facility.”
VA Aid & Attendance looks at the need and says, “OK you are entitled to this money per month to satisfy that need.”
There is no “right” or “wrong” approach but you simply need to understand that there is a difference.
Here’s what we suggest– sit down with an Alabama Elder Law Lawyer to help you examine your situation, your needs, your options, and then together you can decide on the course of action that is best for you.
That may be to apply for Alabama Medicaid or it may be to apply for the VA benefits.
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