Navigating Medicaid for Aging Parents: Damon Terzaghi

In this episode, Medicaid expert, Damon Terzaghi, shares his extensive knowledge on Medicaid, covering its national framework, state variations, eligibility criteria, and planning strategies for families. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating long-term care options for aging loved ones.

Key Topics

• Medicaid's national framework and state variations
• Eligibility criteria and assessment tools

Resources

• Title XIX of the Social Security Act
• CMS - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection Strategies

Damon Terzaghi has spent his career working in programs that support older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Currently, Damon is Vice President of Medicaid Advocacy and Programs at the National Alliance for Care at Home. In this role, Damon is responsible for leading the Association’s Medicaid practice, including establishing regulatory, legislative, and technical assistance priorities;providing information and analysis to members regarding issues in Medicaid that impact Homecare, Hospice, and HCBS; and developing the organization’s resource library. Prior to the Alliance, he has served as:

·       Senior Director at ADvancing States, the association representing state government aging, disability, and long-term services and supports agencies.

·       Vice President for the Marwood Group LLC.

·       Health Insurance Specialist for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

·       Senior Policy Associate for the National Association of State Medicaid Directors.

·       Operations and Policy Analyst for the Oregon Department of Human Services.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from WillametteUniversity in Salem, Oregon, and a Master of Science in Public Health Administration from Trinity University in Washington DC.

He is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Services Research from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Damon lives in Arlington, VA, with his wife, two poorly-behaved dogs, and three equally poorly-behaved children.