What is Medicaid Planning and its Place in Elder Law?
As you or your loved ones grow older, it is crucial to plan for the future. Although it seems daunting, Medicaid planning is an integral part of preparing for the future and ensuring that you are comfortable. However, there are many terms out there, such as Medicare and Medicaid, which can become confusing. So, when you start, as a family or as an individual, planning as soon as you can to avoid confusion and improve comfort in your golden years.

What is Medicaid? You may not have Medicaid currently, so it is critical that you understand it. Medicaid is a combined federal and state program that can help pay for medical, custodial, or long-term care for people with limited resources or income. This program is often confused with Medicare and shouldn’t be because it provides those services not covered by Medicare. Medicaid covers nursing home care and personal care services, while Medicare does not. While there are states still deciding on its expansion, Medicaid exists as a state and federal program. So, if you are curious about Medicaid for yourself or a loved one, inquire about the eligibility requirements.

Medicaid provides coverage to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women and children. However, if there is a choice between Medicare and Medicaid, there is a significant difference between these programs for the elderly. The income requirements are proportional to family size, and this is the government determines eligibility. Check with your local or state government to determine if your income, assets, and needs are within their requirements. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, and you may also look into Medicaid Long Term.

In some frustrating cases, families that need Medicaid coverage may not qualify due to income. However, it is possible to be eligible if you spend excess income on medical expenses and bills. This is known as Medicaid spend down, and these programs, much like eligibility, vary from state to state. Regardless, it can be a challenge because the application process often becomes complicated. Healthcare costs increase with each passing year, and Medicaid is an expensive program to fund both state and federal governments. Therefore, the application process is scrutinized to ensure that only people who need it will get Medicaid benefits. The penalties for Medicaid abuse can be severe. There are civil and criminal penalties outlined for Medicaid fraud, so you must be truthful and accurate throughout Medicaid planning.

When you need help with Medicaid planning, it is critical that you contact an attorney to advise you about the situation. Whether you work with Kania Law Offices PLLC or another Medicaid planning law firm, make sure that your attorney can advise you, as an individual who needs Medicaid, on the state of the law. They can help you understand the proper way to submit a Medicaid application and get through some of the more complicated processes in the Medicaid office. Especially if you are applying for long-term care, you will need a professional's help in this arduous process.