I live in ky and would like any input on finances that you can tell me from your experience. I dont plan to need medicaid for my DH, but you never know in these situations. Also what about Veteran bebefits, any experience there? Thank you for youir comments!
VA has a program for in home caregivers..HOWEVER, they have a very low $$ Maximum income requirement. I think about $1200/month (both of you.) That was the case about 3 years ago, it may have changed. Like everyone else, they always begin by saying NO, you have to keep on pushing.
Ky caregiver, I'm in KY also. Checked into VA - but was over the income limits. We did get into their health system, though and I take DH twice a year right now. They really don't do anything, but DH like the doctor and they sit and chat - I know, I know, taxpayer money - but it does DH good and me too. We don't even get our drugs through the VA - they are more than we pay now. Did he serve during wartime? Was he injured? Those things make a difference. I would contact your local VA office and ask some questions. They have been very good at answering mine here.
Ky caregiver - it never hurts to be in their system. I would first get him qualified. If he served in Vietnam he would have had to serve in combat (on ground, on a ship that was off the coast of Vietnam, etc). They only require you to visit the doctor once every two years to stay active in their system. My husband has VA. We have no other medical so it has been a blessing. He gets his galantamine through them which cost us $8 a month no matter what it is. But, you have to take what they use - there often is not an option. I think it is whatever the government gets a good deal on. When the time comes he will go into a VA facility. His dad was in the AD unit of the VA in Bedford, MA and I can't say enough of how great they were. We will still have to get medicaid when the time comes because they will take it to help cover expenses in a facility.
So, go ahead and apply. My husband was approved the first time. We have friends whose husband has AD and she talks about the donut hole expense. I have tried to encourage them to apply at the VA but her husband will not even consider it even though that is all he talks about - his military days.
Ky caregiver--I agree with Charlotte that you should get your husband into the system. My husband is in their system even though we don't need the medical at this point. But, the VA does pay for his day care that he goes to 3 times a week. He had to go a VA contracted facility, but they gave me names of places in my area so I could check them out. Contact a social worker at your local VA Hospital. Just call their main line and ask to be connected to a social worker.
I am also inKY. My DW isn't eligible for VA but we have applied for SSDI. Haven't received a reply yet but it has only been about 45 days. Time will tell.
aalferio - good luck. Hopefully they have all the info they need. Often the hang up is doctors not getting their reports in, especially any test results. I called after about a month to see how it was going, to make sure they had everything they needed. Mostly cause as they say: it brings your file to the top. If true, it may help.
Yes, I got DH in the system for AD a few yrs ago, altho he was already being treated by them for his eyes (service connected). Aid and assistance told me when my expenses for him are over 2500 per month, they will pick up the rest. At least that is what he'll be eligible for. right now his day care is about $1500 per month. I have no help in the house other than that, but knowing eventually he'll be elegible for that, or for VA nursing care does set my mind at east. Important to get him in the system.