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Georgia Eliminates Adult Medically Needy Program - UPDATE!

Georgia has historically been a favorable state in which to reside if an individual were in need of nursing home Medicaid benefits. One reason for this has been the Adult Medically Need Program, under which an individual whose monthly income exceeded the income cap ($1,692 per month in 2004) could still become eligible for nursing home Medicaid benefits if his medical expenses exceeded his income.

In the 2004 Legislative session this program was eliminated as part of the fiscal year 2005 Budget. Initially July 1, 2004 was to be the effective date when Georgia will no longer have an Adult Medically Needy Nursing Home Medicaid program (a copy of the Termination Notice sent to individuals affected by this change can be found at www.elderlaw-lacey.com). However, in mid June Governor Purdue recommended to the Board of the Department of Community Health that they continue coverage for an additional 90 days to allow families more time to plan for this change. The end result is that the effective date for the elimination of this program is now September 1, 2004.

However, all is not lost. Planning options remain for individuals affected by this change, that will allow them to maintain their nursing home Medicaid benefits. It is very important that individuals who may be affected by this change in law contact a Certified Elder Law Attorney as soon as possible to determine the appropriate legal options they may have to plan for this change in law, as these planning options must be implemented before September 1, 2004.

June 30, 2004