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WASHINGTON, Jun 27, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Plans to curb the rapid growth in U.S. taxpayer contributions to Medicaid seem make it harder to qualify for the medical benefits, the New York Times said.
Various plans offered by concerned groups ranging from Congress to insurance companies would shift costs to middle-class individuals and private insurers.
Lawmakers, health policy experts and stakeholders in the long-term-care industry are moving forward with proposals to remove from the Medicaid rolls people who are not poor by standard definitions, the report said.
The most popular plan would slow eligibility by extending the so-called look back period, during which older people can give away or shelter assets and not be penalized when applying for Medicaid.
Currently, such gifts must be made at least three years before a Medicaid application. That period would be extended to five years. Another proposal would require owners of family homes, many of which are exempt from Medicaid calculation, to take out reverse mortgages to pay for nursing home care.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
