Call Us Today for a Free Consultation. (352) 379-1900

Medicaid Planning and Long-term Care

Long-term healthcare refers to a variety of medical and non-medical services for people who have a chronic illness or disability and cannot take care of themselves for long periods of time. Obtaining long-term healthcare is a wise way of acting ahead of time to ensure your welfare and dignified treatment in the event of unexpected illness or disability.

Long-term care costs are astronomically expensive. Many families mistakenly believe that assets must be completely deleted in order to qualify for Medicaid benefits. The Federal and State rules regarding Medicaid do provide some asset protection for families and spouses requiring long-term healthcare. The Miller Elder Law Firm knows how to advise families on these qualification issues. Families also mistakenly believe assets can be transferred out of the Medicaid applicant’s name and benefits obtained. This is simply untrue and the ramifications of doing so can be devastating.

Medicaid & Home Care | Florida Elder Law | Gainesville Elder Law Attorney

Long-Term Health Care Services

It is important to remember that illness and disability do not discriminate against age, which means long-term healthcare may be needed by people of any age, although it is a more common need for senior citizens. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living facilities or in nursing homes.
It is common for long-term care to provide custodial but non-medical care, assisting with daily tasks such as:

● Bathing.
● Dressing.
● Using the restroom.
● Eating.
● Basic medical assistance, such as the application of eye drops.

Increasingly, and at times, long-term health care may involve a level of medical care that requires the expertise of skilled health care providers to address the unique needs of a patient, depending on whether ill or impaired. Some of these services include:

● Nursing.
● Drug therapy.
● Physical therapy.

Obtaining Long-Term Healthcare

Long-term healthcare is a way of anticipating potential future medical needs. You may never need long-term care, and if you do, you may have the assistance of close relatives or friends. However, obtaining long-term healthcare may ensure your welfare in the event of illness or disability. It is projected that by 2012, 12 million older Americans will need long-term care. Financing long-term healthcare may be accomplished through a variety of means:

● Private insurance (health insurance and long-term care insurance).
● Medicaid.
● Veterans benefits.
● State assistance (Medwaiver, Diversion, etc).

Seeking competent legal counsel will help you visualize a long-term healthcare plan that can be tailored to meet your needs, and will help you determine what types of assistance you may be eligible for to assist you in financing your long-term healthcare needs. Contact The Miller Elder Law Firm, caring and knowledgeable attorneys who focus on Elder Law, to construct a long-term healthcare plan to meet your needs.

Allow our experience in the field to work on your behalf. Contact The Miller Elder Law Firm today for an initial consultation at (352) 379-1900 or fill out our convenient contact form.

We are ready to guide you through the beautiful sunsetting of your life.