Basic Comparison Points for Medicaid Institutional Benefit vs. Veterans Aid and Attendance BenefitFor the State of Idaho | ||
Issue | Aid and Attendance (A&A) | Medicaid Institutional |
| Asset Test for a Single PersonThe person can keep ….Note: There are other assets allowed, the information presented here is general.[Other assets include cash, CDs, investments, 2nd home, 2nd car, etc.] | House unlimited valueCar unlimited valueStuffPrepaid irrevocable funeralOther assets no fixed number, but anticipate below $40,000 | House with maximum value of $750,000Car unlimited valueStuffPrepaid irrevocable funeralOther assets $2,000 |
| Asset Test for a CoupleThe healthy spouse can keep…Note: There are other assets allowed, the information presented here is general. | House unlimited valueCar unlimited valueStuffPrepaid irrevocable funeralOther assets no fixed number, but anticipate below $40,000 | House unlimited valueCar unlimited valueStuffPrepaid irrevocable funeral for bothOne-half of the Other assetsBut no less than $23,912 and no more than $111,560. |
| Penalty for transfer of assets? | No | Yes – 5 Year look back |
| Joint accounts/asset attributed all to Applicant. | No. Split among joint account/title holders not in household. | Yes. |
| Cash benefit? | Yes 2010 levels areSingle Vet $1644Married Vet $1949Widow of Vet $1056 | No. Pays for medical services, doe not give cash to recipient. |
| Pays NH costs in full? | No. VA A&A is a fixed payment amount. This is cash to the recipient, If A&A recipient goes on Medicaid the VA benefit reduced to $90. | Yes. Minus cost share. Cost of share is usually the social security and pension income of the Medicaid recipient. |
| Attorney Fees | Cannot charge to do application, other limitations, read the rules. | Can charge for all services. |
| Certifications required to represent as attorney? | Yes. | No. |
P.S. Barbara and I were gone last week to a conference for law offices who use Apple computers. We were amazed how many attorneys think outside the box and have come up with creative ways to use computers in their office and the courtroom. We plan to use some of the ideas to enhance the services we offer out clients.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I’ll enjoy cooking for friends and making pumpkin and apple pie for desserts.
