Case Estate Law

Cape Cod | Martha’s Vineyard | Nantucket

Cape Cod | Martha’s Vineyard | Nantucket

The high cost of long-term care has made planning a critically important issue for most middle class seniors and their families.  In fact, most seniors will likely require some form of long-term care. Sadly, many of them are unprepared for the significant financial burdens it places on their family’s hard earned savings.  Financial devastation looms large for a family facing ongoing care at an average rate of $10,000 or more per month.

Long-Term Care Options
While some seniors are able to afford private pay care, the cost of long-term care will wipe out savings of all but the wealthiest families in a matter of years.  Those who have planned ahead by purchasing long-term care insurance have a degree of certainty and peace of mind, knowing that they have a lesser need to rely on other sources in the future.  Unfortunately, many can’t afford the high cost of long term care insurance or worse, because of age of medical condition cannot qualify for long term care insurance altogether.  If you do have long-term care insurance, you should be aware of what your policy covers.  Most policies have high deductibles or provide for only a short period of care in facility.  In fact, many who have long-term care insurance still have to resort to Medicaid to pay for their care.

Medicaid Eligibility
The other option to pay for long term skilled nursing home care is Medicaid.  A joint federal-state program, Medicaid provides medical assistance to certain qualified individuals, including those who are older, disabled or blind.  Medicaid is the single largest payer of nursing home bills in America and serves as the option of last resort for people who have no other way to finance their long-term care.  Although Medicaid eligibility rules vary from state to state, federal minimum standards and guidelines must be observed.

While Medicaid eligibility with respect to long-term care was not difficult in the past, there has been a steady drift towards more complex and restrictive rules, the latest being the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 which went into effect in 2006.  These changes have resulted in complex eligibility requirements for those in need of Medicaid benefits.  It’s no longer as easy as reviewing one’s bank statements.  There are a myriad of regulations involving look-back periods, income caps, transfer penalties for prior gifts made, and waiting periods to plan around.

Our law firm has the experience to help avoid the financial ruin associated with the high cost of long-term care.  It is never too late to plan, even if the individual needing Medicaid benefits is already in a nursing home.  Contact us today to start the process of understanding the issues surrounding Medicaid eligibility and to implement the planning and application process.

Our passion is problem solving for you and yours.
Invested in our Clients. Invested in Solutions

Contact Us for a
Complimentary Initial Consultation

Contact our Cape Cod Estate Planning Attorneys and Elder Law Attorneys for a complimentary initial consultation in Centerville, MA, and to let us know how we can best serve you and your families now and in the long-term future.

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Contact Us for a
Complimentary Initial Consultation

Contact our Cape Cod Estate Planning Attorneys and Elder Law Attorneys for a complimentary initial consultation in Centerville, MA, and to let us know how we can best serve you and your families now and in the long-term future.

Name(Required)

Our passion is problem solving for you and yours. Invested in our Clients. Invested in Solutions

508-790-3050