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VA only. No Medicare or private ins. We have caregiver help, but he is declining and will need to go into a home when I can no longer manage. How do we do that without Medicaid (income too high), and no private insurance (fixed income too low). Having never been ill, he saw no need for Medicare when he retired and declined private insurance (too costly). To take Medicare now, he must make up all the missed payments: 204 months x$109 = $22, 236, which works out to about $1800/mo now for Medicare. Obviously, that is not an option. His life insurance is just enough for cremation, nothing to convert to long-term care. We are on a tight fixed income - even smaller now, because I spend most of my time caring for him. Where do we get financial help to help him get the care he needs when I can no longer provide it? We are in that mid-level, financial sink hole: too much income, but not enough. Advice please.

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If he did not take Medicare Part B when he was 65, but starts it now, he does NOT have to make up the missed payments. The way it works is he will have to pay 10% more for every year he didn't take it. For example, if he took it at 75, he would pay about $200 per month instead of the $100/month he would be paying if he took it at 65.
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Montrose County Dept of Health and Human Services
1845 S. Townsend Ave.
Montrose, CO 81401
Administrator: Stephanie Holsinger
Main Phone: 970-252-7076
FAX: 970-252-5049
Website: www.co.montrose.co.us/107/Health-Human-Services

Waivers by State - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/american-indian-alaska-native/aian/ltss-roadmap/resources/state-federal-relationships/1915c-Waivers-by-State.html#colorado
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I would consult IMMEDIATELY with a certified Eldercare attorney for advice in this matter. You can create a qualified income trust in most states. I think you need better information about Medicare. Click on the Money and Legal tab at the top of the page to get information about certified attorney in your area.
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Note that the Alz association brings in a qualified elder law attorney, which they have vetted, to run the seminar, so this is a great start.
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There is some help available thru elder care funding; will need to talk to Alzheimer's Association for leads on contacting appropriate agency for your area. They have social workers who can help, even if on line. This is a great forum for questions and answers. good luck
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GypsyGirl, if he is 82 he would pay 170% over the original premium of about $100 (10% a year for 17 years). This would come to about $270/month. I think the law has always been this way. You were misinformed 10 years ago. There is no way anybody would pay $750/month for part B unless they were maybe 150 years old.

I opted out of part B when I turned 65, because I lived out of the country and couldn't use it. When I was 71, I reinstated it, and I pay $160/month for it (6 year penalty, 10%/year = $60 penalty). It will cost me more over a lifetime if I live into my 90s, but I didn't realize that when I opted out. Figured it out later. But $160 isn't bad. Sure isn't $750!
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Gypsy - when you meet with the attorney ask about if Miller trust can be done & about maximizing your CSRA /MMNA - these 2 are ways to divert his Medicaid income compliance to the NH instead be diverted to you. CSRA MMNA are kinda like alimony for the nonNH spouse.

Medicare, your right, is out of the ? budget wise to be an option. Hopefully others read your post and understand how important it can be to sign up for Medicare at 65. Penalty is astounding. I wonder how often this happens?

Let us know what legal suggests. We all learn from each other. Thanks!
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If he is a veteran, served at least 90 days (I think) apply for Aid and Attendance pension. Even the wealthiest persons apply for Medicare when they are eligible. I would ask Medicare again what options are available. Perhaps they grant a waiver. I have never heard of anyone not taking Medicare, so he is the first. Good luck! (I hope you have applied for Medicare).
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He is a vet. We do receive Aid in Attendance. This is not a pension; it is home maker (caretaker) help, and it is like a miracle. I am meeting with an elder care attorney next week. Meanwhile, will ask for help at the local County Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Ten years ago I spoke to the Social Security people, and they said it would cost about $750/month - THEN - for him to 'make up' lost years. Today he is 82. The math does not work out in his favor. We can try again - maybe the law has changed?
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Instead of spending the money to consult with an elder law attorney, attend one of the free financial seminars given by the Alzheimer's association (alz.org). Ask all your questions there. If you still need the consult, often the attorney running the seminar will offer participants a discount...and that's how it's done!
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