Sarasota Medicaid Planning Lawyers

Protect Your Future with Advocates in Aging

Among the most devastating news a family can receive comes in the form of a diagnosis of dementia or physical decline of a loved one. The personal issues are profound; the financial considerations can be overwhelming. The costs of long-term care, whether at home or in a facility, can devastate a modest retirement savings. It puts in jeopardy not only the one who needs care, but those dependent on them for support. At these times, it becomes essential to understand what benefit programs can help and which don’t. For some, VA benefits provide relief; for many others, the only available option is Medicaid.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a program which is run jointly by both the federal government and the state government that can assist in paying for long-term care. Benefits might be available for assisted living, but obtaining them is quite difficult. For nursing home care, availability is far greater but the government imposes a number of factors for determining eligibility that may require skilled planning to work within. Limitations on levels of income and assets, protection for spouses at home and disabled children often need to be finessed for optimum results.

What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

The government runs both Medicare and Medicaid separately. Because they are run separately, you can be dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Government agencies operate and fund these centers, which primarily serve different groups. Although people often get confused over which is which, there are some differences in cost-sharing and services.

• Medicare, unlike Medicaid, is paid for with contributions from Social Security taxes (FICA). Medicare also provides health insurance for people 65 and older or under 65 with disabilities, regardless of their income. Because it is federally funded, the program is the same across the U.S.
• Medicaid is a federal and state needs-based program that offers health coverage based on a person's income and medical history. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid pays for long-term care and varies from state to state.

Current Medicaid eligibility standards in Florida: July 2021

While Medicaid seems like a straightforward program, determining your eligibility can be complicated. Working with an experienced Medicaid attorney, like ours at Advocates in Aging, can help you understand the rules and regulations, and can help you plan for the future. Our elder law attorneys are well-versed in all aspects of Medicaid, have been successfully guiding clients for decades and can help you today.

Do you have questions about Medicaid? Contact our Medicaid planning lawyers in Sarasota at (941) 242-7270 for dedicated assistance.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Get Medicaid?

The Medicaid application process may seem grueling. If you are an applicant aged 65 or above and in need of a nursing home or other long-term care, seeking the services of an elder law attorney is crucial.

Professional advice is highly recommended because Medicaid can be complicated due to its many rules and regulations. We also understand that the application can be confusing and frustrating. Our team at Advocates in Aging are here to help you throughout the entire process and make sure you understand your options and benefits. Give us a call today for a case review and to schedule a consultation with a Medicaid lawyer!

What Can a Medicaid Lawyer Help You With?

Navigating the Medicaid process can be confusing. An experienced Medicaid lawyer knows the process well and can help you figure out the most beneficial options for your unique situation.

The Medicaid lawyer can help with numerous tasks in the process and also provide the following:

• Assists eligible individuals that have been denied coverage by intervening on your behalf and filing an appeal for review
• They are trained to survive your interest. They will look through all the possible options to receive the most beneficial financial result (saving money, protecting assets, and providing for your spouse/significant other)

The skilled Elder Law attorneys at Advocates in Aging provide our clients with all the possible options and help guide them through the Medicaid process. Learn more about how our Medicaid lawyers can help you during a consultation.

How Our Elder Law Firm Can Help You

At Advocates in Aging, we are dedicated to helping our retirement-age clients secure their future through careful Medicaid planning. Our Medicaid lawyers know how expensive long-term care can be, especially if you are dealing with a health issue. We offer free planning consultations to our clients to determine whether we can help, and if so how. In addition to helping you evaluate your current financial situation as it relates to your Medicaid eligibility, our elder law firm can also help you understand the complex regulations surrounding income caps, transfer penalties, and waiting periods. Our Medicaid planning attorneys in Sarasota can help you navigate the Medicaid process as well as help you prepare and file your application.

To get answers to your questions today or to speak with a Medicaid lawyer, call Advocates in Aging at (941) 242-7270 Our elder care law firm is ready to help.