Beneficiaries may encounter many new phrases when navigating Medicaid, and “managed care” may seem confusing at first. However, the underlying concepts are quite simple – and it may only take a few minutes to become confident about how managed care works. Simply put, managed care refers to the manner in which your loved one receives healthcare services. The government refers to this as a “health care delivery system” that involves budgeting, quality control, and other organizational steps. The type of managed care depends on your home state, and it may be difficult to create a targeted strategy without help from an experienced elder law attorney.
What Exactly is Managed Care, Anyway?
Managed care is the method by which states provide eligible people with Medicaid benefits. The process involves contracting a private insurance company to provide health care services, and the company receives a certain amount of money each month in return.
Although this might seem pretty simple, the Commonwealth Fund notes that managed care can be “extraordinarily complicated” in many areas of the country. Managed care is now the most common way in which beneficiaries receive healthcare benefits. In 1990, only 10% of eligible recipients enrolled in managed care – but now that number has risen to well over 50%.
Managed Care vs. Fee-for-Service
Fee-for-Service (FFS) is the alternative to managed care. Under FFS, the state compensates the healthcare provider for each service you receive. Many beneficiaries are not aware that there are two different systems when it comes to Medicaid. The differences between these systems are somewhat controversial, with many arguing that one is superior to the other. For example, some point out that under FFS, beneficiaries can choose their own specialists. On the other hand, they could be charged for visiting the ER if it was not a true emergency. While the pros and cons of FFS and managed care represent a completely different topic, beneficiaries should know that they at least know that they may have a choice.
Understand the Costs Involved
It may help to sit down and discuss the various costs involved with managed care. Typically, managed care plans are cheaper compared to FFS – especially if you choose a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). These organizations help limit costs while ensuring high-quality care – a difficult balancing act that does not always turn out well.
In the end, each beneficiary has unique priorities and needs when it comes to healthcare – and it will be difficult to navigate managed care effectively without a solid understanding of your own needs. Remember, part of this planning process involves treatment that you may need at some point in the future.
It may be helpful to discuss these potential future needs alongside your doctors. Pay close attention to genetic conditions that your family members may have. Consider your current health limitations and how they might degrade or improve in the future. After this discussion, you can take what you’ve learned to your elder law attorney. Your lawyer can then help you determine the most appropriate path forward.
Understand the Focus on Preventative Care
If you choose managed care, you should understand that this system focuses considerably on preventative care. This is part of the cost-limiting strategy, but it can also help you avoid preventable health concerns. It might seem like this is simply to lower costs for the insurance companies, but all doctors understand that preventing illnesses makes much more sense compared to treating them after they appear.
As a result, you may be encouraged to get annual check-ups. You might also be encouraged to take vaccines. Screenings may also become more frequent as you age, and this is something you should probably make time for.
Consider Your Health Network
If you choose managed care, you might want to consider your health network and the quality of healthcare in your specific state. It is no secret that some states have better healthcare systems than others, and it may make sense to relocate in order to take advantage of this. Each state has its own specific Medicaid network and program, and you may need to research these differences before your move.
You can also target specific states for other benefits, including homestead exemptions and lower tax rates. An elder law attorney may be able to help you choose the most optimal state based on your unique retirement needs. Finally, it is worth noting that not every state offers managed care plans. If you live in a state that does not offer managed care plans, you might need to relocate before you even consider this option.
Dual Eligibility and the Danger of “Fragmented Care”
If you are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, it might be more challenging for you to navigate this process compared to others. There is a real danger of receiving “fragmented care” due to the lack of integration between these two programs. However, various states and insurance providers are attempting to address these issues for dual-eligible seniors.
You might be able to find an “integrated care plan” that serves only dual-eligible people in your community. Often, these plans cater to people in nursing homes. Because these organizations focus on dual-eligible individuals, they can integrate and coordinate their treatment with greater efficiency. Speak with your elder care lawyer to learn more about integrated care plans.
Contact The Elderly Care Law Firm Today
Medicaid planning can be challenging if you are working alone. You may feel intense pressure to provide your loved one with effective healthcare services, and it may feel like this task has become a full-time job. Fortunately, you can delegate many aspects of Medicaid planning to an experienced elder law attorney. During your first consultation with one of these legal professionals, you can discuss how your specific state handles managed care. You might also discuss your senior’s unique challenges and priorities. From there, you can ensure your loved one receives the best health care possible. To get started, consider a consultation with The Elderly Care Law Firm today.
One of the most confusing aspects of Medicaid is its varied nature. Depending on your state of residence, you might have to approach Medicaid with all kinds of different considerations. One of the most controversial and complex aspects of this is “Medicaid expansion.” While this might be a difficult concept to understand, the most important thing to remember is simple: Some states have expanded Medicaid, while others have not. The impact of this could affect seniors and low-income individuals in various ways. Read on to learn more.
What is Medicaid Expansion, Anyway?
To understand Medicaid expansion, you first have to understand the “eligibility requirements” for this federal program. Different States may determine eligibility in different ways. Some consider multiple factors, including income, the number of people in your family, your disability status, and others. Other states take a simpler approach, and they only consider your income.
The states that only consider your income level when determining eligibility are said to have “expanded Medicaid coverage.” By enforcing fewer eligibility requirements, more people qualify for Medicaid. In other words, Medicaid is expanded to include more people.
If your state has expanded Medicaid coverage, you only need to consider one metric: The federal poverty level. As long as your household income is below 138% of this number, you automatically qualify for Medicaid with no further steps required.
What is the Impact of Medicaid Expansion?
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, expanding Medicaid has had various effects. Statistics show that when states expand Medicaid, adults are more likely to seek insurance coverage. States also see a rise in mental health outcomes and a reduction in opioid overdose deaths. Some studies indicate a reduction in overall depression rates for states that expand Medicaid. Some say that hospitals have become more financially sound in States that have expanded Medicaid.
That being said, Medicaid expansion has its fair share of critics. One study found that in states with expanded Medicaid, low-income women had fewer live births. Other studies suggest that expanded Medicaid may be correlated with poor infant and maternal health.
Some say that Medicaid expansion has forced some Americans off their private insurance policies. These critics claim that if Medicaid expansion spreads to other states, some may have no choice but to go on welfare. They also note that welfare pays less than Medicaid. There is some indication that States that expand Medicaid later could face increased negative effects.
In 2022, Forbespointed out that providers may be less willing to accept new Medicaid patients compared to privately insured patients. In some states, wait times for Medicaid patients are longer. Forbes also points to a study that found Medicaid patients were 50% more likely to die from throat cancer compared to privately insured patients.
How Does Florida Approach Medicaid Expansion?
Florida is one of the many states that has not expanded Medicaid. This is a hot-button issue for many residents, especially those who want to benefit from increased eligibility seen in other states. Others are wary about the potential negative effects of expansion – particularly residents with private insurance.
So far, Governor DeSantis has been less than enthusiastic about Medicaid expansion. However, he has justified this stance on relatively few occasions. The cost could be considerable. Florida is famous for its high population of seniors, and Medicaid expansion could affect the Sunshine State in ways not seen in other jurisdictions.
The Paragon Health Institute argues that 30% of Florida residents would be on Medicaid, stretching an overwhelmed healthcare system. Taxpayers would reportedly have to pay a $2 billion bill for Medicaid expansion over the following decade, and this may cause the State to raise its taxes or cut other programs in order to compensate.
That being said, many argue that voters in Florida should at least get a chance to decide on Medicaid expansion. There is a growing legal battle to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot, and this could happen sooner than many realize. If Medicaid expansion goes on the ballot, there is a high chance of it being approved in Florida. In every other state, Medicaid expansion has been greenlit after reaching the ballot. People tend to vote for Medicaid expansion if they get a chance.
Currently, seniors may qualify for Medicaid in Florida if their income is below approximately $3,000 per month. They must also have assets below $2,000, and they must need nursing home services.
Can a Medicaid Lawyer Help?
If you are living in Florida or another state that has yet to expand Medicaid, legal assistance may help you qualify. Even if you do not quite meet the requirements for Medicaid, you might be able to adjust your financial affairs slightly and re-apply.
The best strategy depends on your unique circumstances. In some situations, the most appropriate course of action might be to take advantage of the Florida Medicaid home exemption. In other situations, you might want to explore strategies involving your spouse.
It may be easier to qualify for Medicaid than you realize. Alternatively, there may be other sources of financial support to explore. For example, you might pursue compensation for medical treatments under VA benefits if you are a veteran. Lawyers are familiar with these various programs, and they can help you pursue fair compensation based on your unique circumstances.
Contact The Elderly Care Law Firm Today
If you are ready to have a more detailed discussion about Medicaid expansion, why not schedule a consultation with The Elderly Care Law Firm? Our experienced Medicaid attorneys can help you assess your next steps, depending on your state’s approach to Medicaid expansion. If there is one thing you should take away from this article, it is that the best Medicaid strategy in Florida depends entirely on your unique circumstances. Reach out today to discuss these circumstances in more detail – and get started with an action plan.
If you are serious about applying for Medicaid, one of your first steps should be to determine your eligibility. Only certain people are eligible for Medicaid, and these requirements can be quite complex. Fortunately, you may be able to make a few adjustments to become eligible. A Medicaid lawyer can guide you through these steps, helping you achieve financial stability and reliable healthcare throughout the rest of your life. A lawyer can also help you determine whether you qualify for Medicaid based on your unique circumstances. The best way to discuss these circumstances is during a consultation.
Medicaid Eligibility Differs by State
The first thing you need to know about Medicaid is that eligibility requirements may vary by state. Although some of the requirements are universal, others vary depending on where you live. You may need to discuss your State’s unique requirements alongside your Medicaid lawyer for best results.
One of the most important factors to consider is whether your state has expanded Medicaid coverage. It may be easier to qualify if your State has expanded Medicaid. If you live in one of these States, you can qualify based on your income alone. As long as your income is below 138% of the “federal poverty level,” you automatically qualify with no other requirements to consider. In 2024, the federal poverty level for a single individual was about $15,000. This poverty level increases by about $5,000 for each additional person in the family. For example, a family of four is associated with a poverty level of $30,000.
Speak with your lawyer to learn more about the federal poverty income level. It changes from year to year, and calculations can be deceptively complex. Remember, you do not necessarily need to be below the federal poverty level – you only need to be within 138% of the number.
Basic Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
There are a few other basic, universal requirements to consider when it comes to Medicaid in the United States. Generally speaking, only US citizens are eligible to receive Medicaid. You must also be a legal resident of the State in which you file your application. This second requirement is much easier to meet than citizenship, as you only need to live in the State for six months to become a resident. Some “qualified non-citizens” may also qualify for Medicaid, such as lawful permanent residents.
Eligibility Requirements That Most States Enforce
Although requirements vary depending on your state, you probably will not qualify if you are under 65 with more than $2,000 in cash. If you are over the age of 65, you may qualify based on more complex requirements. All States have strict rules against some of the most popular qualification strategies. Medicaid officials pay especially close attention to strategies involving asset transfers and gifts.
California Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
California’s version of Medicaid is called “Medi-Cal.” California is one of the many States that have expanded Medicaid, allowing you to qualify based on your income alone. California also offers Medicaid to various other individuals, including those who are over the age of 65. In addition, people who are blind or disabled may qualify regardless of their age. Pregnant individuals may also qualify, and some youths under the age of 21 could be eligible. If you are a refugee, you might also receive Medicaid in California. Certain cancer patients could qualify as well.
Texas Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
In Texas, you must have a low income or “very low income” to qualify for Medicaid. You must also fall into one of the following categories:
You’re pregnant
You’re caring for a child
You’re blind
You’re disabled or caring for someone who is disabled
You’re over the age of 65
In other words, Texas is one of the states that has not expanded Medicaid eligibility. That being said, Texas defines “low-income” in relatively generous terms – as anyone with an income under about $30,000 per year generally qualifies.
Florida Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
Florida’s Medicaid eligibility requirements are very similar to those of Texas. The Sunshine State has not expanded eligibility, which means you cannot qualify on the basis of income alone. You must be characterized as “low-income” while also falling into one of the following categories:
Pregnant
Blind
Caring for a child
Caring for a disabled person
Disabled
65 or older
With that said, the income requirements for Florida are considerably more strict compared to Texas. A single individual can only qualify for Medicaid if their annual income is less than about $20,000 per year.
New York Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
Like California, New York expanded Medicaid eligibility requirements. This means you can qualify based on your income alone – as long as it falls below the 138% threshold of the federal income poverty level. Aside from this requirement, you can also qualify based on pregnancy, disability, blindness, parenthood, or age (65 and older).
New York also offers Medicaid based on immigration status. This makes New York one of the few states in which non-citizens and permanent residents can get access to Medicaid. If you are an undocumented migrant living in New York, you might want to speak with a Medicaid lawyer to learn more about this opportunity.
Strategies for Becoming Eligible for Medicaid
There are various strategies that can help you become eligible for Medicaid. These strategies may depend on the unique requirements of your home state. They could include gifting, transfers, trusts, and homestead exemptions. Speak with your lawyer to learn more about your options if you do not yet qualify for Medicaid.
Find an Experienced Medicaid Lawyer
Contact The Elderly Care Law Firm if you would like to learn more about Medicaid eligibility. With our help, you can review these requirements in more detail and determine whether you qualify. From there, you can explore various steps and strategies to help you qualify. Even if you are not currently eligible to pursue Medicaid, it may be easier than you think to meet the necessary requirements. To discuss your next steps in more detail, feel free to book a consultation today with our experienced Medicaid lawyers.
Older adults and disabled individuals encounter distinct legal challenges. It may seem difficult to handle these issues alongside other life pressures. As an older or disabled individual, you might face increased medical costs and mobility challenges – making legal considerations particularly difficult to think about. Fortunately, you can tackle these issues effectively alongside legal professionals. Whether you need to handle estate planning, social security, or any other legal consideration, a qualified elder care lawyer can help. Here are just a few legal considerations that you may face as a disabled or elderly adult in the United States:
Estate Planning
A key consideration for elderly individuals is estate planning. This may also represent an urgent issue for disabled individuals. If your condition is terminal, it is important to get started with an estate plan as soon as possible. You should also consider your estate plan if your disability will shorten your lifespan.
That being said, virtually anyone can benefit from an effective estate plan. This includes young, old, healthy, and ill people. It is never too early to get started with an estate plan, and your lawyer can help you begin this process.
Estate planning is a very broad area of law. It contains numerous steps and procedures, including:
Trusts
Wills
Advance directives
Powers of attorney
Life insurance
At the very least, you should establish a Last Will and Testament. This document identifies your beneficiaries and an executor. The executor will carry out your wishes and make sure your beneficiaries receive any assets you leave behind. If you plan to pass away with few assets, your executor may still play an important role in settling your remaining debts.
A more advanced estate planning tool is a trust. Unlike a Will, a trust may go into effect after or before your passing. You have many other options for your trusts, and they may help you achieve your specific estate planning goals with greater accuracy.
Estate planning is not just about protecting your assets, however. It may also involve making important decisions ahead of time. This might include your decisions about medical procedures. You can also select individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you ever become incapacitated.
Asset Protection
If you are approaching your twilight years or have a serious disability, you should also consider asset protection strategies. Many elderly people become vulnerable to fraud and scams. Disabled individuals may also face financial abuse, particularly if their condition is mental in nature.
An experienced lawyer can help you protect your assets in a number of ways. A trust may provide your assets with a layer of protection. A trustee controls your trust funds, and they may investigate potential transactions on your behalf before distributing funds. You might also consider relatively simple banking tools to protect your assets from hackers and digital fraud.
Business Succession
If you own a business, you should consider business succession as you approach retirement. Business succession ensures that your operation passes into the right hands after you retire or die. For example, you might select a family member as your “successor.” This is the person who will lead your business after your passing.
Alternatively, business succession may involve selling your business. This could be the right move if you need the resulting cash for your retirement. With certain strategies, you can sell your business to a successor and receive periodic payments in return. These periodic payments can provide reliable, passive income throughout your retirement.
Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare is critical for elderly and disabled individuals. Fortunately, programs such as Medicare and Medicaid make accessing treatment easier and more affordable. However, applying for these programs can be challenging. To give yourself the best possible chance of success, consider working with an elderly care lawyer.
Many Americans are ineligible for these programs due to financial factors. For example, Medicaid is mostly reserved for low-income people. However, you can make certain alterations to your financial situation with help from a lawyer. Relatively minor alterations could help you qualify for Medicaid.
Homestead Exemptions
As an elderly person, you might want to explore homestead exemptions in your State. These exemptions vary from State to State, but they can provide much-needed financial relief during retirement. For example, a homestead exemption may help you avoid rising property taxes. This strategy may be particularly useful in areas where real estate has risen sharply in value. Homestead exemptions can also help you avoid debts and creditors in some states. Some seniors can qualify for Medicaid and other programs by real estate adjustments.
VA Benefits
If you have served your nation in the military, you likely qualify for VA Benefits. These benefits can be quite comprehensive, and it is worth taking full advantage of them. VA Benefits can pay for your medical expenses. You can also receive free treatment for mental health issues, dental, and much more.
Social Security
Social Security is another potential consideration for disabled and elderly individuals. If you qualify, you can receive Social Security retirement benefits for the rest of your life once you stop working. You may also qualify for Social Security benefits if you lose the ability to work due to a disability. In addition, your spouses and children can receive income through this program in certain situations.
Social Security calculations depend on numerous factors. To get the maximum benefit amount based on your specific needs, it helps to work alongside a qualified, experienced legal professional. You may need to make certain adjustments to your finances to qualify for higher benefits.
Contact the Elderly Care Law Firm Today
Each adult approaches disability and retirement with slightly different needs. An online article can only provide you with basic information without taking these unique needs into account. In contrast, a consultation with an elderly care lawyer can offer you personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances. Whether you are facing retirement, disability, or both, the Elderly Care Law Firm can help you address any legal considerations along the way. To begin this important discussion, book a consultation today.
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives an individual the authority to act on behalf of another. This is one of the most effective estate planning tools you can employ, and it allows you to control the course of your life even when you cannot make your voice heard. Perhaps most importantly, this estate planning document can help virtually anyone. Unlike other estate planning tools, a power of attorney is not reserved for the ultra-rich or those with complex business operations. Instead, this document can be effective regardless of your situation – and your age. As with many estate planning documents, people may have various questions when approaching a power of attorney:
What is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is an estate planning document that transfers decision-making authority to someone of your choosing. When you become incapacitated, this legal document goes into effect. Your family will read the document and receive instructions on who will make decisions on your behalf. From there, the designated individual will assume control and act in your best interests during your period of incapacitation. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to make a range of important decisions on your behalf.
When Does Someone Need a Power of Attorney?
The first thing to understand about a power of attorney is that it can help virtually anyone. Even young adults can benefit from this type of document. Why? Because anyone can become incapacitated in the near future. Just consider how dangerous car accidents can be. You might suffer a coma, a debilitating head injury, or some other kind of incapacitating issue during everyday activities. Suddenly, your family would be faced with uncertainty.
Some of your loved ones might assume that you want a certain medical procedure, while others might disagree. Before long, your family could be arguing about what you would have wanted – and this can lead to rifts that last lifetimes. One family member might believe that they should sell your house to pay for your medical treatments, while another might disagree.
A power of attorney prevents these disputes by putting sole decision-making authority in the hands of a single individual. This not only helps avoid conflicts within the family but it also streamlines the decision-making process. Often, these decisions must be made quickly. A slight delay could mean missed opportunities. In a medical context, undecisive family members might even cause you to lose access to effective treatment. A power of attorney eliminates time-consuming decisions and allows an individual to make fast, decisive actions on your behalf.
Are There Different Types of Power of Attorney?
Yes, there are numerous types of power of attorney documents. The most basic form of power of attorney gives a chosen individual (known as an “agent”) complete decision-making authority over virtually every aspect of your life. These might include financial decisions and medical decisions. This is often called a “general” power of attorney. Aside from medical and financial decisions, they can act on your behalf in virtually any scenario imaginable. These might include your family business, legal matters, and so on.
You might also choose a power of attorney that deals only with financial matters. Somewhat predictably, these documents are called “financial powers of attorney.” In this arrangement, your agent will only have the authority to handle your financial decisions and nothing else. These might include selling the family home, paying your bills, collecting your retirement benefits, and filing your taxes.
Another type to consider is a medical power of attorney. As you might expect, this type of document gives an agent the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf and nothing else. They may choose specific treatments for you, select medications, and decide which hospital you will visit. They may also make important decisions regarding the end of your life. For example, they could make the decision to take you off life support. If you choose this type of estate planning document, you might want to make some of your most important medical preferences clear to your agent ahead of time.
Who Should I Choose as My Agent?
This is a question only you can answer. Ideally, you should choose someone who knows you well – someone who understands what you would want in various situations. Many people choose their spouses as their agents. However, this might not always be the best choice. A spouse has a high chance of suffering the same type of debilitating, incapacitating injuries as you if they are traveling in the same vehicle before an accident. Spouses are usually of the same age, and this might mean that they suffer cognitive decline or even dementia at the same time as you.
You might want to choose someone sufficiently “distant” from you – but with the same basic levels of trust as a spouse. If you have an adult child who lives apart from you, this could be an obvious choice. You might also consider a younger sibling or a close friend.
Remember, your agent may need to make important medical or financial decisions on your behalf. Because of these factors, many estate planners choose those with experience in these fields. For example, you might have a nephew who is an experienced accountant. You might also have a younger sibling who works as a nurse. These individuals may approach your various decisions in an efficient, confident manner.
Find a Qualified Estate Planning Lawyer Today
If you have been searching for an experienced estate planning lawyer, look no further than the Elderly Care Law Firm. Over the years, we have helped numerous estate planners with various strategies – including drafting powers of attorney. While online research may be a positive first step toward an effective estate plan, this process is highly personalized. The best estate plan for you depends entirely on your unique circumstances and family needs. To discuss these specific factors in more detail, consider booking a consultation at your earliest convenience. We will help you determine if a power of attorney is the right choice.
Elderly Law is a rapidly growing area of law that focuses on helping clients with their legal, financial, and medical needs as they age. Many seniors might believe that they do not need legal assistance, and they may prefer to wait until they encounter a serious legal problem before contacting an elder care attorney.
However, the best plans are proactive, not reactive. Planning ahead ensures that seniors can easily navigate future challenges, no matter what might occur during their twilight years. What exactly is elder care law, and what is the best way to navigate this legal landscape?
What Does Elder Care Law Cover?
There are many aspects of elder care law:
Financial Planning: Elder care lawyers can assist seniors with many aspects of financial planning. These might include issues related to family businesses, life insurance, retirement assets, and many others.
Estate Planning: Seniors can work with estate planning attorneys to put their affairs in order long before their passing. Estate planning might include matters related to wills, trusts, advance directives, powers of attorney, and much more.
Medicare/Medicaid Planning: Qualifying for programs like Medicaid or Medicare is a key concern for many seniors. This is especially true as they grow older and inevitably encounter new medical issues in the process.
Social Security Planning: Seniors might also become eligible for Social Security as they age, especially after retirement. This vital form of financial support helps seniors approach their twilight years with a measure of security.
Elder Abuse: Unfortunately, many seniors encounter serious degrees of abuse from various sources. This can take many different forms, including financial abuse. Lawyers can assist seniors and their families as they protect themselves from abuse while seeking justice for past offenses.
Nursing Home Lawsuits: Seniors may decide to sue nursing homes for a range of unlawful acts. Many nursing homes throughout the nation have been forced to shut down due to a number of violations that put seniors in danger.
Guardianship/Conservatorship: Guardians and conservators can represent the best interests of their senior loved ones, perhaps taking control over major decisions to avoid potential issues in the future. These decisions might involve financial matters, medical treatments, or both. Elder care lawyers can help family members become legal guardians or conservators in the future.
Tax Issues: Finally, elder care lawyers may assist seniors and their families with various tax issues, minimizing these expenses to the greatest extent possible. In many cases, tax issues overlap with the estate planning process.
Who Needs Elder Care Legal Assistance?
Contrary to popular opinion, elder care isn’t reserved for seniors. Many people might benefit from speaking with an elder law attorney:
Seniors: The people who benefit the most from elder care law are seniors. The entire branch of elder care law is geared toward their best interests.
Families: Family members stand to benefit immensely from elder care law. By putting certain legal protections into place for their seniors, family members can experience peace of mind. They may also lower their own financial burdens by exploring opportunities for healthcare, social security, and more. Finally, family members can spend less time caring for their seniors after using new sources of funding to organize caretakers and health care professionals.
Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries can protect their inheritance with help from elder law attorneys. Seniors may be especially vulnerable to financial abuse – including scams. By exploring various estate planning options, beneficiaries can protect the family fortune and ensure that this wealth is passed down through the generations.
Caretakers: Those who find themselves caring for seniors can also benefit from elder care law. These caretakers might be family members, medical professionals, close friends, or spouses.
How Can an Elder Care Lawyer Help?
Elder care lawyers can assist in a number of different ways:
Protecting Seniors: An elder care lawyer’s first priority is to protect the best interests of seniors. They may do this by helping them avoid scams, guiding them toward better healthcare access, and preventing them from making common mistakes.
Protecting Wealth: Elder care lawyers also play a vital role in protecting family wealth. They accomplish this goal primarily through the estate planning process. One of the key priorities for many families is to avoid estate and inheritance tax, and elder care lawyers can employ many suitable strategies to achieve these goals.
Taking Action: In many situations, elder care lawyers help seniors and their families sue negligent parties. These negligent parties may be nursing homes, scam artists, health care providers, or anyone else who has harmed the senior in some way.
Providing Advice: Even if families decide not to move forward with an elder care lawyer, they may still benefit from legal advice. Many lawyers provide plenty of guidance during initial consultations, and families can use this knowledge to move forward and handle their own affairs in a way that meets their unique financial goals.
Lowering Costs: Elder care lawyers may also help seniors and families lower their everyday living costs. For example, a lawyer might be aware of a new program or source of government funding. It might be possible to get a government grant as you renovate your senior’s home. A senior might qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security without realizing it. One of the most overlooked sources of funding comes from the Veterans Affairs organization (VA), and many seniors are eligible for excellent support due to their past service.
Find an Elder Care Lawyer Today
Consider booking a consultation with the Elderly Care Law Firm to learn more about elder care law. Navigating this legal landscape is not only a complex process but also a highly personalized journey.
Each senior has their own unique priorities and needs to consider, and the best elder care plan takes into account all of these specific factors. Online research is a positive first step, but a consultation with an attorney leads to real action. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.
