Greensboro Senior AdvisorDoes Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not pay room, board or personal care in an adult care home, though it covers residents' medical care, home health visits and hospice.
Families pay privately or use Special Assistance, long-term care insurance or VA pension.
How long does Medicare pay for a nursing home?
Up to 100 days per benefit period after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least three days, in full for the first 20 days, and only while daily skilled care is needed.
Coverage often ends well before day 100 when skilled needs end.
What is CAP/DA?
NC Medicaid's Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults, a waiver that pays for in-home aide services, adult day health, respite and other help for adults who meet nursing facility level of care and want to stay home.
It does not pay rent and often has a waiting list.
What is the Medicaid resource limit for a nursing home resident in North Carolina?
$2,000 for a single person under NC Medicaid's aged, blind and disabled rules, with the home, a car and certain other assets excluded.
A spouse at home keeps a protected share of the couple's resources under federal spousal impoverishment rules.
Which PACE programs serve the Greensboro area?
PACE of the Triad in Greensboro (336-550-4040) lists Guilford and Rockingham counties, and Randolph Health StayWell Senior Care in Asheboro (336-628-4200) serves Randolph County.
Eligibility is by ZIP code; confirm the address with the program.
Who helps veterans file a VA pension claim for free?
County veterans services officers in Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties and accredited veterans service organization representatives file claims at no charge.
No one may charge to prepare an initial VA pension claim.
Where do we get unbiased Medicare advice?
SHIIP, North Carolina's Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program, gives free, unbiased Medicare counseling, including help comparing Medicare Advantage and supplement plans.
Counselors are available by phone and at local partner sites during open enrollment.
Can someone have both Medicare and Medicaid in North Carolina?
Yes. People with both, often called dual eligibles, use Medicare as primary coverage for medical care while NC Medicaid pays Medicare cost-sharing and covers long-term services such as nursing home care, CAP/DA or personal care for those who qualify.
Special Assistance recipients in adult care homes are typically dual eligible, which is how their prescriptions, doctor visits and personal care services get paid.
Does VA pension count as income for Special Assistance?
Yes. VA pension, including the Aid and Attendance increase, counts as income for Special Assistance and Medicaid, so a larger VA payment can reduce or end Special Assistance eligibility.
Compare both paths with the county veterans services officer and the DSS caseworker before applying for either.
