Elder Law and Medicaid Pre-Planning
Elder law encompasses a wide range of practice areas, including estate planning, long-term care needs, Medicaid qualification process, advanced asset protection, guardianship issues, and more. Remember – it’s never too late to start planning. It’s only too late if you file for Medicaid at the wrong time.
Long-Term Care Planning
One of the top challenges for seniors is finding the best way to pay for long-term care. People are living longer than ever before, thought that can be great news for many, it comes with the downside that most of us will eventually need expensive long-term care.
In the state of Utah, the median annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is more than $200 per day, or upwards of $8,000 per month! The cost of skilled nursing care and other assistance homes offering long-term care are expected to rise dramatically in the future.
Sadly, many families exhaust their life savings within a year or two of a family member entering a nursing home. Fortunately, we can help you obtain the care you need without losing the assets you have worked a lifetime to build.
Long-Term Care Planning with Medicaid versus Medicare
Many people are confused about the difference between Medicare vs. Medicaid when it comes to paying for long-term care. By and large, Medicare does not cover long-term nursing home care.
Medicare Part A will pay for up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility for a particular illness, and only after the individual has spent at least three days in a hospital. Another problem is that from day 21 to day 100, a patient in a skilled nursing facility must make a copayment of up to $200 per day.
Medicaid, on the other hand, will cover long-term nursing home care for those who meet its asset and income levels. Given the high cost of nursing home care, the lack of affordable alternatives, and the limited nature of Medicare coverage, Medicaid is now the largest payer of nursing home stays in the United States. There are many Medicaid insurance programs available in Utah, including basic medical coverage and nursing home programs.
It’s incredibly important to speak with an experienced attorney before you file your application. Our team can help you create a comprehensive application plan that will protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s no secret Medicare and Medicaid are not user friendly, but we are here to help!
With proper planning, the Plan Right Law team can help you get the care you need while protecting your assets. We will help you determine how you can best plan for long-term care and how you can obtain assistance from Medicaid.
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