What is Medicaid?Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for nearly 70 million Americans. This includes low-income individuals, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.Medicaid is funded and administered through a state-federal partnership. There are broad federal requirements for Medicaid, but states have a wide degree of flexibility to design their own programs. Therefore, Medicaid may vary from state to state.When a client has other insurance or Medicare, Medicaid is the payer of last resort. Federal regulations require that all available resources be used before Medicaid considers payment.What is Long-Term Care Medicaid?Long-Term Care Medicaid is the Medicaid program that allows for the coverage of long-term care services through several avenues and over a continuum of settings. This includes:Nursing Facility/Institutional CareHome and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiversEligibility Criteria for Long-Term Care MedicaidGeneral Eligibility CriteriaU.S. Citizen or Qualified Non-CitizenResident of ColoradoMust be 65 years or older, disabled, or blind.Financial RequirementsIncome is any item an individual receives in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet their need for food or shelter. Examples of income include Social Security Retirement, pensions, wages, alimony, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Veterans benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and dividends.The 2023 income limit is $2,742.If over the monthly limit, an Income Trust is needed.*Most income sources count towards the income limit, but there are income sources that do not count.Resources are defined as cash and/or property that a person owns and has the right, authority, or power to convert to cash (if not already cash). Examples of resources include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificate of deposit, IRAs, 401Ks, stocks, bonds, cash, property, vehicles, mineral and oil rights, life insurance, and pre-paid burial or cremation policies.The 2023 Medicaid Resource Limits are:$2,000 Individual$3,000 Couple (not living in same nursing facility room)$4,000 Couple (living in same nursing facility room)$148,620 Community Spouse Allowance*Some resources count towards the resource limit, but there are types of resources that do not count.Functional / Level of Care / 30-day InstitutionalizationA level of care assessment is completed to determine if an applicant functionally needs a long-term care service. The assessment is performed on site by a caseworker from the county Single-Entry Point (SEP).A person must have medical conditions requiring supervision. They must have been admitted to a nursing home, a hospital, or a combination of both for at least 30 consecutive days. There is no institutionalization time requirement if applying for HCBS-Medicaid/assisted living.Transfer of AssetsA transfer of assets occurs when an individual, or spouse of the individual, disposes of assets for less than fair market value within 5 years of the Medicaid application. Examples of transfer of assets include but are not limited to:Giving away property, money, cars, and boats.Uncompensated funds such as large checks or cash in which one cannot prove how the money was spent or closing an account with no paper trail of where the money was re-deposited.Waiving the right to an inheritance, not getting your fair share of a divorce, or not receiving your spousal share of an estate.Period of IneligibilityFor individuals who have transferred assets within 5 years of the Medicaid application, a Period of Ineligibility (POI) is generated. The POI is the amount of time during which the individual will be ineligible for Long-Term Care Medicaid.The length of the POI depends on the amount of assets transferred.The POI will begin when the person would have been otherwise eligible for Long-Term Care Medicaid benefits.Medicaid will begin paying for long-term care benefits once the penalty period expires.

In the sunset years of life, mastering time management takes on new significance for seniors striving for balance and contentment. Reflecting on personal priorities is the first step in crafting a schedule that embraces the essence of fulfillment. Leveraging technology facilitates streamlined daily routines, allowing seniors to dedicate time to self-care and pursuits that ignite passion. Whether it's a leisurely walk in the morning sun, diving into lifelong learning, or fostering social connections, each moment becomes an opportunity to savor the richness of life. Delegating tasks and seeking support when necessary are not signs of vulnerability but empowering choices that enable seniors to cherish time for what truly matters.In this chapter of life, seniors can learn the art of saying no, reserving their time for activities that align with their values and aspirations. The golden years become an invitation to explore new passions, engage in creative endeavors, and deepen connections with loved ones. By embracing the wisdom of time management, seniors can navigate this phase with grace, ensuring that every day is a canvas painted with purpose, joy, and a sense of accomplishment.

Medical Marijuana and AgingCannabis has been used as healing remedy for many thousands of years in many cultures. And recently, modern science has discovered an endocannabinoid system naturally present in the brain from birth in all humans and many animals. Endocannabinoids are manufactured naturally by our bodies and cannabis is the only thing in nature which provides cannabinoids that fit the same receptors, which is the reason cannabis is so successful in treating a wide range of conditions.As baby boomers age, more seniors are turning to medical marijuana (cannabis) for illnesses many commonly deal with as we age. While it is fairly widely known that medicinal cannabis is effective in treating conditions such as glaucoma and the side effects of chemotherapy including nausea and vomiting, recent science indicating its effectiveness in many other conditions is less well known. Conditions which cannabis can be beneficial in treating include arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, cancer, IBD and Chron's disease, diabetes, neuropathic pain and Alzheimer's.I have coped with emphysema and within the last year my blood pressure has been lowered significantly and I no longer have to use inhaled steroids for inflammation of the lungs. My pulmonologist is quite pleased with my progress in fighting my disease and is well aware of my alternative medicinal practice. He concurs that I have improved and as I am only medicating with mmj [medical marijuana], it certainly [is evidence of] the all around benefits of mmj. I am 64 and it is such a pleasure to have the freedom to walk into a beautiful, clean mmj center where I feel safe, and has everything I need to feel better...physically and mentally. Judith, 64, Longmont, COIn January 2011, leading doctors in the field of cannabis science and medical marijuana law experts spoke at a conference at in Laguna Woods spoke to an audience of 1,000 seniors. Robert Platshorn has begun the Silver Tour, a traveling educational seminar and NORML is developing a Senior Alliance. The biggest concerns many seniors have when considering medical marijuana as an alternative to pharmaceuticals with much more severe side effects are: overcoming the stigma surrounding marijuana, obtaining safe access and avoiding the irritation to the lungs due to smoking. It should be noted that while smoking anything is not good for the lungs, marijuana has shown not to cause lung cancer and even presents a slight protective effect.There are many alternatives to smoking as a method of administration. Medical marijuana is now widely available in food and beverage form, tinctures, capsules and suppositories. Vaporizing cannabis with a vaporizer offers an inhaled form that has shown to be safe and effective. Your Medical Marijuana Center (a safe, State regulated facility), or Caregiver (a private provider) can help you decide what is right for you as an individual with your particular health conditions. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Shannon Lamoureux, of Colorado Dispensary Services in Boulder, Wheat Ridge & Denver, Colorado. She may be reached at 303-495-2195 or visit their website at, cdscenters.com

Todays older adults are living longer, healthier and more active lifestyles. For some, senior living communities are an ideal environment for finding the one. Whether youre just starting to date again or youre a veteran to the single scene, here are a few tips for finding a new partner.Find creative ways to expand your social circle.If youre ready to branch out and build new relationships, start looking for ways to meet new people. Start slowly by joining clubs and attending events within your own community. Join the yoga group, attend the cooking demonstration, or participate in game night.Be open about expectations.Do you have your sights set on true love, or are you looking for a conversation partner at meals? There are so many reasons to meet new people, so its important to make sure your interests align. If you know what type of relationship youre seeking with someone, start a conversation to see if they feel the same way. For example, if someone isnt sharing your passion for romance, be respectful of their wishes and be open to friendship instead.Look ahead, not back, for a new relationship.For widows and widowers, wanting a new relationship can bring mixed emotions. Dating can be a double-edged sword for those who have already found, and lost, their soulmate. Its not uncommon to feel guilt for wanting a partner and its tempting to seek out someone who reminds you of your late companion. If youre feeling uncertainty about new relationships, consider taking it slow and focusing on getting to know potential partners. Instead of trying to recreate a past relationship look for people who intrigue and inspire you in different ways.Be candid about intimacy.Physical relationships promote cardiovascular health, lower stress, and contribute to stronger emotional connections. Its no surprise many seniors, including those in senior living, are intimate with each other. Before starting a physical relationship, have a conversation about expectations and desires.Compatibility is your most attractive quality.Age is just a number and looks arent everything. Most seniors are focused on finding suitors with a lifestyle compatible to their own. Older adults interested in dating tend to be more flexible about a potential partners age or appearance and more invested in finding someone with shared interests.Let your loved ones know your intentions, but dont let them dissuade you if they have some misgivings.Having a support system available to give advice and look out for your best interests will make it easier and more fun to ease into dating. Listen to what your loved ones are saying and respect their advice, especially when it comes to safety and privacy, but be aware that some adult children will not be immediately accepting of a widowed parent reentering the dating scene. They may need time to adjust to the idea. You dont have to rule out dating because a loved one isnt entirely accepting of the idea, though. Instead, be prepared to talk about why you want to date and how you plan to do it safely. When introducing new partners or describing new relationships, take a subtle approach at first and share with your loved ones about how your new partner makes you happy.Golden West Senior Living Community provides lots of activities, events, and opportunities for seniors to meet new friends and potential partners in a safe and fun social setting. With daily events and activities to participate in, a lovely garden path for romantic strolls and a rooftop terrace for a lunch date anyone looking for a special someone will find lots of fun things to do together. Learn more about life at Golden West Senior Living at gwboulder.org.