The Georgia Department of Community Health, in compliance with the state’s budget cuts ordered by Gov. Sonny Perdue, is eliminating its Nursing Home Medically Needy Medicaid program as of July 1, according to the Associated Press. The cut may displace hundreds of nursing home residents.
The program covers 1,681 Georgians and is specified for people whose income exceeds $1,692 a month, but who can’t afford the $3,500 to $4,000 a month nursing homes typically charge.
Nursing homes may evict tenants for failing to pay bills, but they must offer an alternative arrangement, said Becky Kurtz, Georgia’s long-term care ombudsman.
Residents have 30 days from the receipt of their termination letter to request a hearing, and the state can take up to three months to decide if someone is eligible for Medicaid.
