But it won't kick in until those bills eat up most of a person's assets and income. Provisions vary by state, but protections apply when one spouse is institutionalized and the other stays at home. Despite those safeguards, many people worry about a reduced living standard for the at-home spouse or an erosion of the assets they can leave to their children. That's part of the reason there are so many more elder-law attorneys, who specialize in helping people with the complexities of aging. It can reduce the incentive to manipulate finances and provide peace of mind about getting care.
Insurance can also increase a family's leverage to choose the care it wants.
Not all facilities accept Medicaid patients, and those that do may limit the number of such occupants because Medicaid pays a discounted rate. Residents who pay full price from their own assets or insurance may get preference even in cases where regulations bar discrimination against Medicaid patients. It can help if you use insurance or private funds to start off before turning to Medicaid. A nursing home that accepts Medicaid patients can't force out paying occupants when they go on Medicaid, but lawyers tell of patients being moved to a less desirable room or a different facility. Complaints by family members may help.