Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Me with Medicaid?
Ensuring that the elderly have their rights respected is extremely important. That is where an elder law Medicaid attorney can play a major role.
An elder law attorney specializes in the needs of older adults, which can differ significantly from those of younger individuals, particularly regarding Medicaid planning.
Understanding Medicaid Requirements
The financial rules for Medicaid coverage are complicated and state-specific. Generally, people must spend down to approximately $2,000 in savings and investments before qualifying.
Planning to use Medicaid for long-term care presents additional complexities. While nursing home care coverage is comprehensive, payment for home care and assisted living facilities is only partial and varies by state.
How an Elder Law Attorney Can Assist
An elder law Medicaid attorney understands the intricate Medicaid qualification requirements and can guide you through the application process. Medicaid is only available after a person has depleted nearly all their assets.
An experienced elder law attorney can employ specific techniques to lower an applicant’s countable income or assets, helping make the applicant eligible while simultaneously protecting their life savings and home.
Pre-Planning and Emergency Situations
An elder law Medicaid attorney can also help with pre-planning for emergencies, which may include estate planning documents such as:
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: A legal document allowing a designated agent to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated.
- Living Will: A document addressing life-sustaining treatments like ventilators, feeding tubes, and CPR in cases of incurable or irreversible medical conditions.
A living will can also address pain management and palliative care concerns.
If you or a loved one needs assistance with Medicaid planning or elder law matters, do not hesitate to contact The Stegall Law Firm for a consultation. We are here to help.
