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A common misconception of people researching the viability of Medicaid to pay for a Nursing Home is that the “well” spouse will be left with no assets. Despite Medicaid being a means tested program with strict income and asset requirements, there are protections for spouses who remain in the community.

Beginning in March 2015, if you are Medicare and Medicaid eligible (dual eligible) in Suffolk County, you will receive a notice alerting you of the option to enroll in a FIDA plan. FIDA stands for Fully Integrated Duals Advantage.

My husband is currently receiving services through the Community Medicaid program. He is using a Pooled Income Trust to preserve his excess income. I heard that there are changes that may affect his ability to use the Pooled Income Trust in the future, is this correct?

Assuming your father meets the asset requirements for Medicaid, his income will not hinder his ability to qualify for Medicaid benefits. More importantly, he will be able to receive the homecare benefits without losing his monthly income.

This week’s column is a continuation of our column from last week where we answered questions regarding tax-deferred annuities, the different types and the tax benefits and consequences of purchasing or owning one. Included in the questions posed last week was “what are the Medicaid implications for the owner of an annuity.”