How will we pay for long-term care?

As people are living longer and the cost of care continues to rise, many families find themselves asking the same question: How will we pay for long-term care? At Hurley Elder Care Law, we receive calls every day from concerned family members trying to understand their options for care, public benefits, and how to afford skilled nursing care for a loved one.

With nursing home costs in Atlanta and surrounding areas often exceeding $10,000 per month, many families turn to nursing home Medicaid for help.

But what exactly is nursing home Medicaid, and who qualifies?

Understanding Nursing Home Medicaid in Georgia

Medicaid is a government program that can help pay for nursing home care for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. In Georgia, a person may qualify if they:

• Are a Georgia resident
  • Are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled
  • Require a nursing home level of care, such as assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating
  • Meet certain income and asset limits

For 2026, the income limit for an individual applying for nursing home Medicaid is $2,982 per month.

A Common Misconception

Many people believe Medicaid is only for those without financial resources. In reality, Medicaid covers care for nearly 80 percent of nursing home residents in Georgia. The truth is that very few families can afford long-term nursing home costs by themselves for an extended period. Medicaid has truly become the main long-term care insurance for the middle class. As we live longer and care costs continue to rise, more families will rely on Medicaid to cover nursing home expenses.

How We Help

Navigating Medicaid rules can be overwhelming, especially when families are already facing a health crisis. At Hurley Elder Care Law, we help families understand their options and develop strategies that ensure their loved ones receive the care they need while safeguarding assets whenever possible.

In the coming weeks, we will continue our blog series by answering some of the most common questions families ask about public benefits in Georgia. We will cover topics such as Medicaid eligibility for individuals and couples, exempt assets, the five-year lookback period, Qualified Income Trusts, and estate recovery.

If your family needs guidance right now, our team is here to support you. Call our intake specialists at 404-843-0121 to learn how Georgia’s most experienced Certified Elder Law Firm, with over 20 years of specialized expertise, can help you and your loved ones. Virtual appointments are available, along with four convenient office locations.