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 […]
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, […]
Getting to Know Medicaid
Millions of Americans receive comprehensive health coverage and financial assistance through Medicaid, a federal and state public health insurance program. The program helps low-income families, individuals, and people with disabilities receive adequate health care and provides nursing home or community long-term care services. As of August 2022, more than 90.5 million individuals were part of the Medicaid […]
A Guide to Medicaid Gifting Penalties
In the US and around the world, the aging population is growing. People are living longer than previous generations, which means they will require more long-term care. It’s estimated that seven out of ten Americans will need long-term care during their lives. Long-term care can include care in your home, an assisted living facility, or […]
Penalties and Gifts Associated with Medicaid
Low-income seniors with limited assets and income can obtain healthcare and long-term care through Medicaid, a federal/state program. Many seniors believe their only option to qualify for the program is to “spend down” their assets. While this is true in some cases, proactive Medicaid planning can protect a substantial portion of your assets if done […]
The Increasing Cost of Senior Living
In America, long-term support services are in high demand. Costs are extremely high, regardless of whether you struggle to pay long-term care insurance premiums or monthly nursing home bills. The US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) finds that Americans aged 65 or more have a 70 percent chance of requiring long-term care services. Family […]
Why You Need An Elder Law Attorney
Elder law is a highly specialized area of law focusing on the legal needs of older adults encompassing more significant issues like long-term health care needs, quality of life, and financial well-being. Specific planning may include estate planning and administration, asset protection planning, Medicaid planning and applications, wills and trusts, probate, advance directives, special needs […]
Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Discuss Long-Term Care With Your Parent
It is unclear whether or not your parent has a plan in place for long-term care. It is a difficult topic to broach; no one wants to talk about death and the financial realities that come with aging. Instead of having a proactive conversation early in a parent’s aging process, most families have a reactive […]