Elder Law and Medicaid Crisis Planning in Williamston and Surrounding Areas

Receive Reliable Medicaid Information from a Trusted Medicaid Attorney

While the Director of Patient Services at the nursing home may sympathize, they may lack the accurate information regarding your loved one's Medicaid eligibility and how to become eligible. Instead of hastily transferring home ownership or depleting lifelong savings, it is advisable to consult Medicaid Crisis Planning Attorney Nick Leydorf to learn about available options and the appropriate course of action. Acting without proper information could jeopardize years of savings.

Long-Term Care Costs and Safeguarding Family Assets

Many individuals faced with the need for long-term care find themselves in a difficult predicament. If they possess too many financial resources to qualify for Medicaid, they lack sufficient funds to protect their family and spouse from impoverishment. However, a Medicaid Crisis Planning Attorney utilizes legitimate and ethical legal strategies to help individuals become eligible for Medicaid without losing their hard-earned assets.

Distinguishing Between Medicaid and Medicare

• Medicaid is administered by states, while Medicare is overseen by the federal government.
• Medicaid is available to a broader range of individuals than Medicare, including low-income families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• Medicaid covers a wider range of services than Medicare, such as long-term nursing home care and dental care.
• Medicaid eligibility is means-tested, whereas Medicare eligibility is not.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident for five years, be aged 65 or older, or have a disability. Medicare eligibility is not influenced by income or assets.

Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care Costs?

Medicare does not cover long-term care expenses. It primarily assists with specific medical costs, including hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Long-term nursing home care and other long-term care costs are not covered by Medicare.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Medicaid?

Medicaid eligibility requirements vary from state to state, but all states must provide coverage for certain categories of individuals, including:

• Children
• Pregnant women
• Parents and caretakers of dependent children
• Elderly individuals
• People with disabilities

In addition to meeting these categories, Medicaid applicants must have low income and limited assets. The income and asset limits differ across states.

Why is the Medicaid System Challenging?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that offers healthcare to individuals with low income and limited resources. For middle-class Americans, Medicaid becomes a last resort when they require prohibitively expensive long-term nursing home care. Today, only the wealthy can afford to pay the exorbitant costs of skilled nursing care, which can amount to thousands of dollars per month. Paying privately would quickly deplete an average person's retirement savings, making Medicaid planning crucial.

Each state has its own specific requirements, rules, and regulations for Medicaid eligibility. In Michigan, there are various programs available to seniors, and it's essential to determine the appropriate one.

Marital status also affects Medicaid eligibility, with different programs and allowable asset levels for single and married individuals.

Importantly, it's unnecessary to exhaust one's entire life savings to qualify for Medicaid. A skilled Medicaid Planning attorney understands the legally approved strategies to help individuals become eligible for Medicaid while safeguarding their family's assets. These strategies are employed ethically and strategically to protect both the ill spouse and the well spouse.

Denied Medicaid Coverage? We Can Assist with Medicaid Denial Appeals

Improperly completed applications or inadequate structuring of property and assets can result in a Medicaid application denial. If your Medicaid application has been denied, contact our office. We can help with the Medicaid appeal process to ensure you receive the necessary benefits.

Assistance is Available for Medicaid Crises

Each situation is unique, and the best planning approach depends on your specific circumstances. Do not apply for Medicaid without the guidance of an experienced Medicaid Planning Attorney. Schedule a free consultation with elder law attorney Nick Leydorf today.