I was asked if Oklahoma has the PACE program or a solution for an elderly family member that has run out of Medicare monies to pay for long term care. When Medicare will no longer cover a stay in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, you have three options for the next step. You can appeal the Medicare denial, explore alternative payment options such as Medicaid, private pay, or long-term care insurance, or consider moving your loved one to a lower level of care or at-home care.
Oklahoma has the PACE program only in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Cherokee’s also have just put the program in place. This program can help those with nursing care in their own community rather than a nursing home but it is not available in our area.
So, what can you do if after 100 days your family member’s Medicare has run out in a nursing home? Check for Medicaid (SoonerCare) eligibility. This program can cover long-term nursing home care for eligible seniors and disabled individuals. The income/ asset limits are about $2,901 per month. You can access information at oklahomamedicaidcounsel. com. If the person is married the spouse can keep up to half of the couple’s assets and income.
