What is Medicaid? 

• Medicaid is a medical insurance plan, made by the government. Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.

What is Medicaid Planning?

• Medicaid Planning is any assistance in the Medicaid process. For many people, especially those whose income and assets exceed the limits of Medicaid protection, Medicaid planning can be used to secure health insurance and nursing home support without draining your life savings. 

How do I protect my assets from Medicaid?

• There are net worth and asset limits that decide who is and isn’t eligible for Medicaid assistance. However, there are multiple legal strategies to protect your assets and become eligible for Medicaid without spending your life savings. One of which is called a Qualified Income Trust, also called a Miller trust. By putting assets in trusts and converting them to non-countable assets, almost anyone can become eligible for Medicaid. Our job as attorneys is to derive creative solutions and strategies to protect our client’s assets while securing them Medicaid assistance.

Do I qualify for Medicaid in Indiana?

• Many changes have been made to the eligibility requirements over the years, and they vary from state to state. Medicaid rules in Indiana are different from those in other states, and our attorneys will help you determine whether you are eligible and help you plan. The Deficit Reduction Act significantly altered the rules regarding asset transfers in recent years. For more information about your rights under this complex law, it is best to consult an expert. On a daily basis, we help people understand Medicaid rules and how they can be interpreted to provide the best possible services to their clients.

Why should I work with a Medicaid Planner?

• Medicaid planning requires intense legal knowledge for the best results. Without a legal advisor, it is much more difficult to become eligible for Medicaid coverage. Medicaid is an incredibly complicated system, made even more complicated by the recent Deficit Reduction Act. A capable elder law attorney can make the whole process much simpler and cheaper.

When should I consider Medicaid Planning?

• One considers Medicaid planning in hopes of securing acceptance to the Medicaid program. Being in the Medicaid program is extremely beneficial. For one, quality long-term care is very expensive, and although we all want the best possible care for our loved ones, without Medicaid that can be financially devastating. With Medicaid, your life savings can actually be saved and passed on to your family, securing financial stability and a shot at an excellent education for the next generation.
• Medicaid Planning is also incredibly complicated; even minor errors can lead to a denial of benefits. A sudden loss of benefits can be a massive blow to the happiness and health of applicants and their families.

How much does a Medicaid planner cost?

• Medicaid planning costs often range depending on the time and legal processes needed to secure eligibility and proper care.

Is Medicaid planning worth it?

• The whole point of Medicaid planning is to protect your assets from being drained by long-term care and medical costs. Our job as medicaid planners is to save your money and protect your assets, making the process undeniably worthwhile. 

Do I need a Medicaid planning trust?

• Trusts such as the Qualified Income Trust can be set up by legal professionals and can assist in the process of becoming eligible for Medicaid assistance. However, it isn’t the right strategy for everyone. Give us a call or schedule a free consultation so we can determine what strategy would be best to protect your assets and secure quality long-term care for you or your loved ones.

What does Medicaid cover?

• Medicaid covers mandatory healthcare services, including:
  • Hospital care
  • Skilled Nursing
  • Home healthcare
  • Doctor’s appointments 
  • Preventative care & wellness screening
  • Transportation to and from medical appointments
  • Diagnostics
  • Optional benefits include hospice care, case management, prescription drugs, physical or occupational therapy, rehabilitation, dental, vision, and more.

• The only services not covered are those deemed unnecessary such as cosmetic surgery, personal comfort items, or beauty services.

Should I wait to begin Medicaid planning?

• The best time to begin Medicaid planning is before the need arises. Even if someone doesn’t foresee needing medical care in the immediate future, beginning Medicaid planning is essential to preparing for the future. Families who don’t adequately prepare or begin the Medicaid planning process often find themselves paying out of pocket for nursing home or long-term costs. Eventually, their assets run out and they become eligible for Medicaid. By planning in advance and securing protection, families can save their hard-earned money to enjoy life and support the next generation.

 Should I go with Medicaid planning for long-term care?

• Unplanned long-term care will most likely drain your life savings and your children’s inheritance. In addition, unplanned long-term care for one partner often leaves the other struggling financially, with difficulty maintaining their previous quality of life. Medicaid significantly curbs the cost of long-term care, preserving both your life savings and the life your partner is accustomed to.