Medicaid is a federal and state funded program, which provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income. The benefits vary from state to state and cover certain medical costs.

In order for Medicaid to cover Skilled Nursing Facility costs, an individual must make application to the local Family Independence Agency (FIA) office. The phone number is (616) 247-6000.

If approved, Medicaid will cover room, board, approved medications and approved treatments. The FIA office will consider the amount of income the applicant has each month in determining the amount of nursing home costs that Medicaid will pay for and what amount the applicant must pay for out of his or her income.

Since 1989, there are different rules when there is a spouse left in the home. These rules protect a larger amount of assets and income to take care of the needs of the spouse that still lives in the community. Due to the complex nature of this determination, it is very important that as soon as possible after an admission to a nursing home, expecting to last more than 30 days, that someone request an initial assessment of the couple's assets. The local office staff at the FIA will make this determination.

Additional information on Medicaid be found at www.michigan.gov/dhs.