One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. This not only means a great loss of personal autonomy, but also a tremendous financial price. Depending on location and level of care, nursing homes cost between $40,000 and $180,000 a year.
Careful planning, whether in advance or in response to an unanticipated need for care, can help protect your estate, whether for your spouse or for your children. This can be done by purchasing long-term care insurance or by making sure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Veterans may also seek benefits from the Veterans Administration.
When someone does need long-term care, they may need to qualify for Medicaid benefits. Giving general rules for so-called “Medicaid planning” is difficult because every client’s case is different. A number of basic strategies and tools are typically used in Medicaid planning.
Medicaid may help pay for certain medical expenses including:
- Doctor Bills
- Hospital Bills
- Prescriptions (Excluding prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries)
- Vision Care
- Dental Care
- Medicare Premiums
- Nursing Home Care
- Personal Care Services (PCS), Medical Equipment, and Other Home Health Services
- In-home care under the Community Alternatives Program (CAP)
- Mental Health Care
- Most medically necessary services for children under age 21
If you have questions about Medicaid planning, or another matter, call our office today to make an appointment.