What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal/state program that is part of the Social Security Act. It pays for medical and long term care services to qualified individuals and families, and is the program that provides for the vast majority of our nation’s long term care needs.

In general, when a person qualifies for Medicaid in Portland, his or her income and assets must be applied towards care. However, a person may keep a small portion of income for personal needs, family obligations and miscellaneous other purposes.

The Medicaid program pays the difference in the cost of care directly to the facility, hospital or other provider. Because Medicaid is such a large “buyer” of services, it pays a reduced rate to care providers. In Oregon, this is approximately 71% of the private pay rate.

It is important to note that if a member of your family qualifies for Medicaid, the provider cannot charge the family for the difference between the private pay rate and the Medicaid rate. To do so would be illegal. The only way a provider can receive additional reimbursement from the family is if the family wishes to pay extra for services Medicaid does not provide (such as private room, television, telephone and other such amenities).

The Medicaid Attorneys with the Portland, Oregon Law Firm Nay & Friedenberg LLC have carefully studied the Medicaid statutes and regulations and are able to assist clients in assuring their rights under these laws. Our attorneys are also very skilled in working with Medicaid to help plan for long-term care needs.

Contact us for more information.

“The overall experience was professional and courteous.”

— Robert S.