In What Ways Are Medicare and Medicaid Different?
When it comes to federal programs, Medicaid and Medicare, in written form, look alike and sound alike but work very differently. Both Medicare and Medicaid were started in 1965 under Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration in response to the inability of older and low-income people to purchase private insurance. Medicaid is an assistance program, funded federally […]
The Medicaid Waiver Program and In-Home Nursing Facility Care
It might be worth reconsidering whether Medicaid’s strict income and asset limits will prevent you from receiving benefits. If you currently demonstrate the need for nursing home facility services, you may meet health eligibility rules for a Medicaid waiver program to support the costs of in-home care instead. Each state has a level of care […]
Understanding the Distinction Between Medicaid and Medicare
Healthcare professionals commonly recognize the acronym LASA, which stands for look-alike-sound-alike, often used when referring to medications. When it comes to federal programs, Medicaid and Medicare look alike and sound alike but work very differently. Both Medicaid and Medicare were started in 1965 under Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration in response to the inability of older […]
An Elder Law Attorney’s Guide to Medicaid Planning
Low-income families and individuals are covered by the Medicaid program in the United States. However, because of the steep costs associated with long-term care, Medicaid planning is a growing trend for individuals with higher net worth as an alternative to spending down assets to qualify for benefits. Individuals can plan to meet eligibility requirements by […]
The Importance of Choosing a Health Care Power of Attorney
When you are unable to express your wishes, your health care power of attorney becomes your voice. The Role of a Health Care Power of Attorney A power of attorney, also known as a health care proxy, is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf […]
Americans Can’t Afford Doctor Visits
It would be difficult to get treatment if you were ill and had to determine whether you could afford it. Unfortunately, for many Americans, seeking medical care hinges on affordability rather than medical necessity. About half of US adults have gone without or delayed medical care in the last year due to a lack of affordability. Even […]
What Does End-of-Life Planning Entail?
The topic of end-of-life planning is generally difficult for people. We don’t like to think about it or discuss it, but without planning, we will have fewer options, and things may not go as expected. You may wish to pass away in the comfort of your home, but without making proper arrangements in advance, you […]
Protection from Spousal Impoverishment
Congress created safeguards over 30 years ago to protect the savings of married couples who use Medicaid. These protections prevent husbands and wives from bankrupting themselves and funding care for their loved ones. They originally required states to allow spouses of nursing home residents to maintain a certain amount of income and assets. In 2014, […]
Redetermination of Medicaid Benefits
In Medicaid redetermination, a beneficiary’s eligibility for continued coverage is reviewed by the Medicaid agency. Typically, this process occurs annually. However, during the pandemic, the federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), requiring continuous Medicaid enrollment without redetermination until the public health emergency (PHE) is legally declared over May 11, 2023. Early January of […]
Your Loved Ones Will Appreciate a Proper End-of-Life Plan
The topic of death is uncomfortable for most of us and we avoid it as much as possible. Since we don’t want to talk about it, many of us don’t make plans for what we want to happen before or after we pass away. More than half of Americans think that end-of-life planning, or estate […]