How can you qualify for Medicaid assistance?
Medicaid is a government-sponsored program that offers medical benefits, including assisted living and in-home care, for qualifying individuals. Stubbins, Watson, Bryan & Witucky Co., L.P.A. typically represents senior citizens, age 65+, who require long-term care. We assist them with all aspects of Medicaid law, including helping them apply for benefits to cover medical expenses. We also help our estate planning clients determine whether Medicaid planning is appropriate and advise them on ways to qualify without incurring penalties for transfers during the look-back period. If you are a senior or have a senior loved one, attorney Michael T. Bryan can explain all you need to know about proper planning for Medicaid eligibility.
Why should I talk to an attorney before I file a Medicaid application for home health, assisted living or nursing home care?
- Do you know how to protect up to one-half or more of your assets and still qualify for Medicaid? (even if you are filing during the 5 five year look back period or if you are receiving Medicaid, but have sold your home?
- Do you know why you do not have to “spend down” all of you assets? (or, if you are in the middle of a spend-down, why you should stop?
- Do you know how to protect even more of your assets if you engage in planning beyond Medicaid’s 5 year look back period?
- Do you know how Veterans benefits can be used to help pay for health care costs?
- Do you know how Medicaid and Veterans benefits can be used together?
- Do you know if your current estate plan is compatible with VA and Medicaid Planning?
Advanced Medicaid planning can help you receive medical benefits
Many elderly citizens must pay for long-term care facilities on a private basis until they exhaust their assets, at which time, Medicaid offers assistance. However, there are planning opportunities available to reduce or eliminate unlimited spending for assisted living and skilled nursing expenses. Our attorneys explain the process and your rights, so you understand what you need to do and why.
Avoiding penalties for transfers during the look-back period
When it attempts to recoup Medicaid expenses, the state will “look back” five years to see if the recipient transferred assets. The state can trace any transfers made in the five-year period before the recipient started receiving Medicaid and attach those assets if the funds are necessary to reimburse Medicaid. That means the recipient’s heirs are potentially on the hook for past medical expenses. At Stubbins, Watson, Bryan & Witucky Co., L.P.A., our elder law attorneys advise seniors on the transfer of assets to heirs or trusts well in advance of the eligibility period to ensure that the transfers are legal and that the assets are safe.
Contact our elder lawyers for advice on Medicaid planning in Zanesville, OH
Elder law attorneys at Stubbins, Watson, Bryan & Witucky Co., L.P.A. have in-depth experience helping seniors plan for Medicaid eligibility. To ensure that you or your elderly love one receives full benefits under the law, speak to a concerned and qualified elder lawyer in downtown Zanesville. To schedule a consultation, call us at (740) 452-8484 or contact our firm online.