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Medicaid Planning
Medicaid planning is a term used for getting assistance with the qualification for Medicaid benefits to pay for long term care. It focuses on assistance through the complex application process and it may include protecting assets for the individual if feasible.
Often times families may not look into Medicaid planning because they have heard many of the myths of Medicaid. Medicaid qualification does have certain asset and income requirements. An individual is allowed to engage in planning options in order to meet the requirements and have assistance in paying for their long term care. Planning options may include protecting assets or utilizing a spend-down. Gifting can have an impact on the Medicaid application. It is important to work with someone who will explain all of the options to the individual and their family. An individual who is receiving assistance NEVER receives a differing quality of care.
Medicaid assistance is available for:
- In-Home Care Assistance: Recipients are entitled to receive a set number of hours of care within the home. They are also eligible for assistance with food preparation. This type of Medicaid is referred to as Passport services.
- Adult Day Services: This is a good option for individuals who have family members to assist them in the home, but still need socialization and contact with others. The recipient will attend an adult day center for a certain number of hours per day. This will also give the caregiver time for work, self-care, and re-energizing.
- Assisted Living: There are many assisted living facilities that may accept Medicaid to help cover the cost of care. A facility may require an individual to privately pay for a number of years before utilizing the Medicaid Waiver.
- Skilled Nursing Care: Most skilled nursing homes in our area accept individuals on Medicaid. Unlike assisted living facilities, there is not a private pay requirement.
Medicaid planning often allows an individual to protect assets as part of the process. Asset protection in Medicaid planning means that you will be able to continue to pay for items to assist you rather than leaving that burden to your children or other loved ones. It also can assist a community spouse with their needs for their lifetime.
The application process is not always easy. Guidance is needed to navigate the maze. The rules of Medicaid are based on Federal and state law. Likely, you will need an advocate to be there for you.
Older man and woman with their faces together lovingly.
Veterans Pension Planning
Veterans pension planning is a term used for getting assistance with the qualification for Veteran benefits to pay for long term care. It focuses on ensuring that a Wartime Veteran or a Spouse of a deceased Wartime Veteran can qualify for the basic Veterans pension and possibly additional allowances for Aid and Attendance or Housebound.
The VA Pension is a wonderful alternative to Medicaid or can sometimes be used in conjunction with Medicaid planning. It can provide additional tax-free monthly income to a Wartime Veteran or a Spouse of a deceased Wartime Veteran to be used to pay for medical expenses related to needing assistance with activities of daily living. For 2020, a Wartime Veteran's pension (without dependents) can range from $1,146 to $1,911 a month. A Spouse of a deceased Wartime Veteran (without dependents) could receive $768 to $1,228 a month in 2020. This additional income can be used for paying for a variety of options including private pay:
- Independent Living,
- Assisted Living,
- Home Care,
- Adult Day Care, or
- Skilled Nursing Home Care.
The VA Pension is available for those 65 years and older or those with a non-service related disability. To qualify one must meet some basic requirements including:
- Have served at least 90 days of Active Duty Service
- Served 1 day during a period of Wartime (WWII, Vietnam, Korea, Gulf War)
- The character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions.
Along with meeting the basic requirements listed above, a Wartime Veteran or a Spouse of a deceased Wartime Veteran must meet certain Income and Net Worth requirements to qualify. In 2020, the Net Worth limitation is $129,094.00. If certain transfers were made in a 36-month window, there may be a penalty imposed. However, many strategies may be employed to help qualify for the VA pension benefit.
I can assist you and your family with the following services:
- Veteran’s Pension Pre-Filing Consultation - This meeting will providing counseling on whether to move forward with the VA pension or possibly another long-term care planning strategy such as Medicaid.
- Veteran’s Pension Qualification Letter - This letter will outline the basic requirements of qualifying for the VA Pension and an allowable allowance. It will be specific for your situation and give guidance on how to proceed for qualification.
- Veteran’s Pension Caregiver Agreement - A caregiver agreement may assist the claimant in successfully reducing their monthly income to qualify for the pension. The caregiver agreement can be made between a parent and an adult child for services they may be providing.
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