States Can’t Terminate Medicaid Benefits During Coronavirus Pandemic
Access to affordable medical care is increasingly more important during a health pandemic. One of the bills passed by Congress in response to the coronavirus pandemic increases Medicaid funding for states. The bill also includes a provision preventing states that accept the additional money from terminating eligible Medicaid benefits while the current coronavirus pandemic continues.
Are You Afraid of Losing Your Home When You Apply for Medicaid? Don’t Be
A big concern among people moving into nursing homes is that they’ll lose their homes as they try to qualify for Medicaid. It’s something we hear all the time in the world of Doylestown, and other Bucks County areas in Medicaid planning, and it’s understandable that you might have this fear. No one likes the […]
How to Apply for Medicaid
It’s a pretty common question: “How do I apply for Medicaid?” And it’s actually fairly simply to apply for Medicaid. PA residents essentially just need to fill out an application and send it to their county assistance office. While it’s a long form, it’s pretty straightforward. The question really isn’t “How do I apply for […]
How to Prove that a Gift was not Made to Qualify for Medicaid
It’s important to understand the medicaid gifting rules. If you are admitted to a nursing home, you will usually want to qualify for Medicaid benefits as soon as possible. However, even if you qualify in all other respects, if you have made a gift within five years of applying for Medicaid, you may not qualify. The […]
Medicaid Assets Protection 101
Preparing to enter a nursing home can be as confusing as it is stressful. Garrett Gummer, a veteran elder law attorney handing Medicaid planning in Bucks, PA, says its one of the most misunderstood issues in his field.
Using a Prepaid Funeral Contract to Spend Down Assets for Medicaid
No one wants to think about his or her death, but a little preparation in the form of a prepaid funeral contract can be useful. In addition to helping your family after your death, a prepaid funeral contract can be a good way to spend down assets in order to qualify for Medicaid. A prepaid […]
Why You Should Use a Lawyer for Medicaid Planning
Many seniors and their families don’t use a lawyer to plan for long-term care or Medicaid, often because they’re afraid of the cost. But an attorney can help you save money in the long run as well as make sure you are getting the best care for your loved one. Instead of taking steps based […]
How Medicaid’s Look-Back Period Works
Medicaid is a system that’s available only to people who have very few assets. The government is concerned that people will “game the system” by giving away all their assets to family members and then applying for Medicaid shortly afterward. That’s obviously not fair to the taxpayers who support the system.
Your IRA Can Affect Your Medicaid Eligibility
When you are planning for Medicaid coverage in a nursing home, it’s important to take any IRAs you own into account. Medicaid applicants can keep only a small amount of resources (usually $2,400) in order to be eligible for benefits. Certain resources may be exempt from this rule. Whether your IRA is exempt often depends […]
Medicaid Helps Children Who Live With Aging Parents
In Pennsylvania, if you give your home to your children (or to someone else) and then apply for Medicaid coverage in a nursing home, you may be ineligible for Medicaid for a period of time. You are required to spend down your resources on your own care before applying for Medicaid, rather than give them […]