Medicaid Screening Process

I was speaking the other day to the Hanover County, VA Social Services Department. More specifically to the Long Term Care Social Worker. We agreed that many people are uneducated as to how to apply for Medicaid for an elderly relative. Moreover, many don't get this education until a crisis has occured and someone has entered the hospital and may need services upon discharge. As you know, many decisions under these circumstances can be very stressful. This entry is a very basic checklist of the Medicaid screening process. Some readers may need a quick guide to this process. This whole issue of Medicaid services is huge. I will devote considerable time and effort to inform this blog's readers on these topics. If there are specific questions or comments, please click the "comment" field under this entry.

Steps in Medicaid Screening Process

1. Contact the local Social Services Department for the county of residence of the senior.
Hanover County is 804-365-4100. check your local department.
2. Social Services and the Health Department nurse will coordinate a time for visit.
3. Health Department determines eligibility of applicant and what services would be necessary.
4. Eligibility is based on a person's ability to perform ADLs (activities of daily living)
5. Services will include Personal Care, Day Care, Assisted Living or Nursing Home.
6. Family selects provider of services (DSS can provide list).
7. Provider of services contacts DSS and Health Department for screening forms.