An important step you can take in life is putting together a plan for Medicaid and overall elder law planning. It’s understandable that you don’t want to discuss the not-so-distant future and the inevitable. But the longer you delay, the more likely it is that you will make it difficult for your family if you have to go into a nursing home or if you die without an estate plan in place.
The compassionate team at South Louisiana Elder Law can answer all of your questions and walk you through the legal process of Medicaid and elder law planning in Louisiana. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with a member of our firm. Planning now removes a lot of worry and stress from your family in what is a very difficult situation upon your death.
What is Medicaid Planning?
Medicaid planning is a vital part of preparing for your golden years. Medicaid is a complex system that changes often, especially when it comes to eligibility. That’s a big reason why you should consult with an attorney when building a Medicaid plan for you and your spouse. The application process is involved and lengthy. Being denied Medicaid can be devastating for your health, finances, and overall well-being.
Medicaid planning involves a mix of the following:
- Structuring of financial resources
- Preparing documents
- Managing assets transfers
- Creating trusts
- Preserving the resources of your family
- Ensuring eligibility
- Converting countable assets into exempt assets
What Situations Require Medicaid Planning?
There are certain situations that require Medicaid planning and they include the following:
- If both spouses in a marriage require care
- When just one spouse requires care
- If you are a single person with no assets or income (health doesn’t matter)
- A healthy couple building a long-term plan
Why is Medicaid Planning Important?
Medicaid planning is important because it prevents a family’s assets from being wiped out by the care a person receives. For example, it can cost close to $6,000 per month for a loved one to live in a skilled nursing facility. This means that if you fail to plan for what might come later in life, your life savings could be wiped out in a matter of months if you need to move into a skilled nursing facility.
Medicaid is provided for those who have low incomes. This is where the planning part comes into play and why many have wondered if it is a legal procedure. Families will sell off or give away assets in order to set a loved one up for Medicaid coverage. Medicaid planning is legal in all 50 states. It’s an important piece of estate planning that should be taken into consideration.
What Does Medicaid Pay For?
Medicaid requires states to provide the following under Federal law:
- Inpatient hospital services
- Outpatient hospital services
- EPSDT: Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment Services
- Nursing Facility Services
- Home health services
- Physician services
- Rural health clinic services
- Federally qualified health center services
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Family planning services
- Nurse midwife services
- Certified pediatric and nurse practitioner services
- Freestanding birth center services (when licensed or otherwise recognized by the state)
- Transportation to medical care
- Tobacco cessation counseling for pregnant women
Optional services that Medicaid can provide include the following:
- Prescription drugs
- Clinic services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech, hearing and language disorder services
- Respiratory care services
- Other diagnostic, screening and rehabilitative services
- Podiatry services
- Optometry services
- Medicaid dental coverage
- Dentures
- Prosthetics
- Eyeglasses
- Chiropractic services
- Other practitioner services
- Private duty nursing services
- Personal care
- Hospice
- Case management
- State Plan Home and Community Based Services – 1915 (i)
- Self-directed Personal Assistance Services – 1915 (j)
- Community First Choice Option – 1915 (k)
- TB Related services
- Inpatient psychiatric services for individuals under age 21
- Health Homes for Enrollees with Chronic Conditions – Section 1945
Speak with a Medicaid and Elder Law Attorney Today
The need to plan for your golden years is important now more than ever. Having a plan in place for how you will pay for medical care should you need it later in life will make it easier for you, your spouse, and your family. Contact the compassionate and experienced team at South Louisiana Elder Law today to schedule a consultation. You can start the Medicaid planning process whenever you choose. It can even be activated retroactively if the situation applies. Be sure to read our “Set the Stage for Medicaid” Report for more information.
