Some of the most common questions elder law attorneys hear in regard to qualifying for Medicaid involves income limitations. At the basis, it is a pretty simple concept. If you earn enough to pay for your medical expenses, you do not qualify. There are varying income limitations for single versus married couples, and each state [...]
Exempt assets are assets permitted by Medicaid, such as your home, a vehicle, and a limited amount of cash. Other assets above the limits set in your state are considered to be countable for qualifying for Medicaid, and must be spent down to reach the limits before Medicaid will begin to cover medical expenses. How [...]
When applying for Medicaid for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, it’s very important to start the process as early as possible. One of the most confusing aspects of applying for Medicaid is understanding and meeting the asset limitations. Assets are divided into two categories for Mediciad purposes: exempt and non-exempt. Exempt assets [...]
When a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, Medicaid may be a necessity to cover the cost of a assisted-living facility or nursing home once independent living is no longer a safe option. Unfortunately, the qualification process for Medicaid is not as simple as it seems. The threshold requirement for qualifying [...]
When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, it is imperative to seek the assistance of an experienced elder law attorney to help you plan for future care options and how to pay for them. Before we look at the nitty gritty of applying and qualifying for Medicaid, it’s important to take [...]
The main forms of paying for care at an assisted living facility are private pay, long-term care insurance and veteran’s benefits. Medicare will help pay for brief rehabilitation periods in a skilled nursing home that follows a hospital stay, but does not pay for assisted living facilities. Medicaid may, depending on the state, provide some [...]
Assisted living communities are attractive options for many families facing the early stages of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Because of the varied care, and the length of the disease’s progression, these facilities allow for a transition from independent living to eventual skilled nursing care in a nursing home. However, it is important to note that [...]
Hospice care is often referred to as end of life care. It is one of the few exceptions where Medicare can help pay for care in the home. Typically, hospice is designed for patients that have terminal illness and a doctor’s assessment that the patient has less than six months to live. The main difference [...]
For many families, paid caregivers that come to the home are a great option. The freedom to hire someone who you feel comfortable with, and who has the nursing skills needed to care for your loved ones needs, can’t be found elsewhere. The downside to paid caregivers, is that Medicare does not pay for custodial [...]
Because both Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are progressive diseases, the level of care your loved one will need will evolve over time. If the diagnosis was received early, it is possible that he or she can continue to live independently for a time, but as the disease progresses more care will be needed. Knowing [...]