What Is Considered Low Income for Seniors in Louisiana?

For Medicaid purposes, seniors are considered low-income in Louisiana if they earn less than $2,742 per month. This income limit qualifies seniors for both Nursing Home Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services Waivers (HCBS), which cover care in assisted living, an adult day health center or your own home. For the Aged, Blind and Disabled Waiver, which covers help with activities of daily living (ADLs), seniors must earn less than $914 per month. Below, learn more about other eligibility requirements and what services Medicaid will pay for if you qualify.

In addition to income limits, seniors must have countable assets of $2,000 or less to qualify for any Medicaid program. Countable assets include bank and savings accounts, cash, pensions, SSI/SSDI income, alimony payments, investments and veterans benefits (excluding Housebound and Aid & Attendance allowances). Assets that don’t count toward the limit include your primary residence and vehicle, life insurance policies, irrevocable burial trusts and personal belongings. During the application process, Medicaid will look at your assets to make sure you didn’t give them away or sell them for less than standard market value.

To qualify for the Aged, Blind and Disabled Waiver, you must also need assistance with at least one ADL, such as bathing, feeding yourself or getting dressed. For Nursing Home Medicaid or HCBS Waivers, you’ll need to demonstrate that you need a nursing facility level of care. This means you need assistance in at least one of the following areas:

• Functional: You have difficulty completing ADLs
• Medical: You require assistance with medical devices such as catheters, ventilators and IV drips
• Behavioral: You have trouble controlling actions and moods
• Cognitive: You have trouble making decisions or processing information

Medicaid pays for various services depending on the waiver or program you qualify for. The following list explains benefits you may get through Louisiana Medicaid waivers.

• Long-Term Care Personal Services: Provides help with ADLs, meals, medical transportation and housekeeping in your home.
• Adult Day Health Care Waiver: Includes daytime supervision, medication management, personal care and health screening in a community setting.
• Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Covers primary, preventative, acute and long-term care health services.
• Community Choices: Provides care at home or an assisted living facility as an alternative to nursing home placement. Includes personal care, service coordination, skilled nursing, home modifications, meals and caregiver respite.