What is Medical Assistance For Institutional Care?

A program to help pay for swing bed, state hospital, or nursing home care when:

1) you are likely to be there for 30 consecutive days; and

2) you have limited income and resources.

How Much Of My Income Can I Keep?

You can keep $50 per month for personal needs.

What Amount Of Resources Am I Allowed To Keep?

You can keep up to $3,000 in countable resources.

What Resources Are Not Counted By County Social Services?

• Your home, if a doctor states you are likely to return to it within six months, or if your minor or disabled child lives in your home.
• Personal effects, wearing apparel, household goods, furniture and one motor vehicle.
• Property which is up for sale, but not sold.
• A burial fund of $5,000 and a burial plot for each family member.
• The value of a life estate. NOTE* The county may impute income from your life estate interest.
• Indian trust land, Indian per capita funds and judgment funds.

Who May Apply for Medical Assistance For Institutional Care?

You or any other interested individual may apply for medical assistance on your behalf.

1) Your guardian
2) Your Durable Power of Attorney
3) Your family
4) Your health care provider
5) The hospital
6) The nursing home

All individuals wishing to make an application for Medicaid must have the opportunity to do so without delay.

A prescribed application form must be signed by the applicant or by someone acting responsibly for an incapacitated applicant.

A relative or other interested individual may file an application on behalf of a deceased individual to cover medical costs incurred prior to death.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide information sufficient to establish eligibility in each of the months in which medicaid benefits are requested.

Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you hsould talk to a lawyer and ask for advice about your options.

NDAC 75-02-02.1

Reviewed April 2008
Published by Legal Services of North Dakota in conjunction with
Department of Aging Services - Title III