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Crisis Medicaid Planning
Our Safety Net for Long-Term Care
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid, a government-funded healthcare program administered jointly by the federal and state governments, acts as a crucial safety net for the middle and upper-middle class, particularly when it comes to covering long-term care expenses. Many individuals mistakenly assume that Medicare will fully cover their long-term care needs, only to discover its limitations during a crisis. In reality, Medicaid plays a vital role in providing support to those with chronic illnesses requiring long-term care. While some may believe that Medicaid should be limited to the poorest individuals, it actually includes important protections for individuals in need of healthcare for chronic conditions or custodial care. This recognition has led to the emergence of Crisis Medicaid Planning, which resembles the financial planning strategies utilized by the wealthy but focuses on directly benefiting those with illnesses, their spouses, and, in certain cases, their families.
What is Crisis Medicaid Planning?
Anderson Elder Law provides an essential service through their expertise in Crisis Medicaid Planning. This planning attempts to strike a balance between personal responsibility for one’s care and asset protection for your home, your spouse and other family members who may be dependent on you. Each case is unique, and we assess each client’s financial and care situation to develop a personalized plan that focuses not only the things that are prohibited under Medicaid, but the opportunities that are permitted.
Contrary to common misconceptions, Medicaid offers crucial protections not limited to the most financially disadvantaged individuals. Applicants, spouses, and certain family members benefit from safeguards such as exemptions for the family home, considerations for spousal asset and income needs, and exceptions to look-back periods, transfer penalties, and estate recovery. While Crisis Medicaid Planning may involve intricate complexities, it serves as a crucial safety net for those grappling with chronic illnesses and the exorbitant costs of long-term care.
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Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Medicaid in Pennsylvania, your loved one must meet both medical and financial requirements.
What to Know:
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The applicant must require nursing home level of care
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Asset limits typically range from $2,400 to $8,000, depending on income
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Most of the applicant’s income goes toward care, though protections exist for spouses
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Medicaid will review any gifts or transfers made in the past five years, which could lead to a penalty period
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Will Medicaid Pay for Nursing Home Care?
Yes, if you’re eligible and apply correctly.
Medicaid can cover the full cost of long-term care, including:
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Room and board
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Nursing care and personal assistance
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Medications and medical supplies
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Physical and occupational therapy
Not all nursing homes accept Medicaid. And applying too early, or too late, can lead to costly delays.
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Protect Your Assets Now
Don’t assume you have to spend everything. Even during a crisis, legal tools exist to help protect your home, savings, and income.
Strategies May Include:
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Medicaid-compliant annuities
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Irrevocable trusts
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Spousal resource allowances
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Caregiver agreements
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Strategic spend-down planning
Working with an experienced elder law attorney can help you apply these strategies effectively, even if care is already needed.
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What To Do Now If You’re in a Crisis
If your loved one is already in a nursing home or is about to be, you need to act quickly.
Here’s what to do:
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Call our office. Our team will walk you through urgent next steps.
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Gather documents. We’ll provide a checklist to help organize everything.
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Stay calm. It’s not too late, legal solutions still exist to protect what matters.
We’ve guided thousands of families in Pennsylvania through crisis Medicaid planning, and we’re ready to help you too.
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“From the moment I walked in the door I was made to feel comfortable. The team immediately put my mind at ease during an extremely difficult time and helped me negotiate an overwhelming process. Any question I had was answered quickly. They put me in contact with other professionals I would need to complete the process of finding safe long term care for my mother”
Dori B.
