Medicaid Planning
Medicaid Planning Attorney in Florida: Protecting Your Assets While Getting the Care You Need
“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” – Alan Cohen
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” – Alan Lakein
Understanding Medicaid vs. Medicare – What’s the Difference?
Many people think Medicaid and Medicare are the same, but they are very different programs.
- Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and some younger individuals with disabilities. It helps pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, and some short-term rehab stays, but it does not cover long-term care like a nursing home.
- Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps people with low income pay for long-term care, including nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care. Medicaid is often the only way families can afford these high-cost services.
What is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care means help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around. It’s needed when someone can no longer live on their own safely.
Long-term care can happen in different settings:
- Nursing Homes – 24/7 medical care and supervision for those who need constant help.
- Average Cost in Florida: About $9,000 – $11,000 per month for a private room.
- Assisted Living – A more independent setting, but with some help for daily activities.
- Average Cost in Florida: About $3,500 – $6,000 per month.
- Home Health Care – Care provided at home by a nurse or aide.
- Average Cost in Florida: About $4,000 – $7,000 per month for part-time care.
Most families cannot afford these costs for very long. That’s where Medicaid Planning comes in.
Medicaid Can Help – But You Must Qualify
To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits. Many people think they have too much money to qualify, but an elder law attorney can help legally protect assets while still getting Medicaid coverage.
Misconceptions About Medicaid and Selling Your Home
One of the biggest myths we hear is: “I have to sell my home to pay for nursing home care.”
The truth is, many people can keep their homes and still qualify for Medicaid. There are special rules that can help protect your house and other assets. Before making any big financial decisions, talk to us. We may be able to save your home and other savings.
When Families Need Medicaid the Most
Medicaid planning is often needed during a crisis, when families don’t have time to figure out what to do. This happens when:
✔️ A loved one gets an unexpected discharge notice from rehab and must move to a nursing home immediately.
✔️ A parent falls, needs surgery, and can’t return home because they need full-time care.
✔️ A spouse gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another long-term illness and needs ongoing care.
These situations can be overwhelming, and many families make expensive mistakes because they don’t know their options.
Crisis Planning vs. Planning Ahead – Which Is Better?
There are two ways to handle Medicaid planning:
Crisis Planning (Last-Minute)
- When a loved one needs care right away, and you need Medicaid immediately.
- Requires quick legal strategies to protect as much money as possible.
- Often stressful and rushed, but we can still help families save assets.
Planning Ahead (Best Option)
- Starts before care is needed, so you can protect more assets and qualify faster.
- Gives you time to set up trusts, protect your home, and keep your savings.
- Provides peace of mind, knowing your loved one’s future care is already taken care of.
Call Now for a Medicaid Planning Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one needs long-term care or may need it in the future, don’t wait until it’s too late. We can help you:
- Qualify for Medicaid without losing everything
- Protect your home and assets
- Find the best care options for your family
Call your Medicaid Planning Attorney in Florida today at (305) 836-4597 for a case evaluation.
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