Many people receive Medicaid benefits based on how much they make and who is in their household. So, a Medicaid recipient’s marriage status is a big deal. If you’re newly married, congratulations! But while you’re embarking on the next stage in life with your new spouse, don’t forget to let the government know. The government doesn’t need a wedding...
Continue ReadingWhen you, a parent, a spouse, or another loved one needs long-term care, the cost can put enormous pressure on you and your family. Fortunately, Medicaid may help pay for long-term care, but qualifying for benefits can involve complicated financial rules. One of the most important is the Medicaid look-back rule. Families often ask what is the look-back period...
Continue ReadingAssets that can disqualify you from Medicaid include significant savings, investment accounts, additional properties besides your primary residence, expensive vehicles, and certain valuable personal property. Medicaid typically requires applicants to have limited financial resources, so substantial liquid assets or multiple real estate holdings may render you ineligible. Understanding which assets are countable and exempt can help you better plan...
Continue ReadingMost seniors and their loved ones apply for Medicaid themselves rather than use an attorney. While you don’t need an attorney to file your application, doing so provides you and your loved ones with numerous benefits. One of the biggest reasons seniors do not use attorneys is not because they don’t need one, but because they are afraid of...
Continue ReadingPaying for long-term care can quickly impact your net worth, especially when yearly nursing home costs can reach into six figures. Many people assume they must spend their life savings before qualifying for financial assistance. Yet careful planning using several strategies can reduce, or even eliminate, out-of-pocket costs for nursing home care through Medicaid. Understanding how to pay for...
Continue ReadingPaying for long-term medical care can quickly deplete years’ worth of savings. Nursing home costs can even put a home at risk, depending on whether you continue to live in it, someone else lives there, or you intend to return. Naturally, many people want to protect assets from nursing home costs in New York while still qualifying for financial...
Continue ReadingTo qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage, you need to have limited resources and income, even though the costs of long-term care are high. Many people wonder whether they can transfer a house to a child and if Medicaid in New York will still approve their long-term care coverage application. In short, you can, but only if you complete...
Continue ReadingSorting through Medicaid rules can feel overwhelming, especially if you are planning for future care or helping a loved one during a stressful time. Understanding how to qualify for coverage can feel like taking on a second job. Above all else, there is one question almost everyone asks: How much money can you have to qualify for Medicaid in...
Continue ReadingMedicaid can be an excellent program for providing essential medical care to people with limited means. However, a Medicaid recipient may be required to repay the state for the care they receive. And when it comes to paying the state back, many New York homeowners ask the same fearful question: Does Medicaid take your house after you die in...
Continue ReadingDoes Medicaid cover dental in New York? Yes, it includes routine exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures. Coverage details can vary, so it’s important to check specific plan benefits and provider availability. The Medicaid program in each state can choose to include dental care coverage for its adult Medicaid recipients. Medicaid dental coverage in New York includes emergency and...
Continue ReadingIn New York, Medicaid imposes strict eligibility requirements based on financial circumstances. When you apply for Medicaid coverage, program administrators review significant financial transactions from the last five years, such as gifts, to ensure you did not give away property just to qualify for Medicaid. This review of the five years preceding your application is known as the Medicaid...
Continue ReadingMedicaid is a government program that helps many people cover long-term care costs, such as nursing home or home health care. However, to qualify for Medicaid, you must meet financial eligibility requirements. One common concern is protecting homes and other assets from Medicaid’s strict asset limits while qualifying for long-term care benefits. Through a carefully planned and executed Medicaid...
Continue ReadingYou plan for retirement, you plan for significant expenses, but what about Medicare planning? Most individuals under the age of 65 do not think of Medicare until it is too late. Ideally, you want to start planning for Medicare benefits long before you need them. Doing so can ensure you are not only approved but have access to the...
Continue ReadingUnderstanding Medicaid and how to protect your assets can be challenging, especially when considering the different options available. One such option in New York is the pooled trust for Medicaid, which can help individuals retain their eligibility for Medicaid while preserving their assets. This informational piece will guide you through the basics of Medicaid pooled trusts in New York,...
Continue ReadingThe anticipated 30-month Medicaid lookback period for New York community-based long-term care (CBLTC) services is now delayed until at least 2025. This postponement provides additional time for individuals to prepare for future changes. Presently, there is no lookback or transfer penalty for Medicaid applications covering managed long-term care (MLTC), home care services, or the Assisted Living Program (ALP). The...
Continue ReadingOne aspect of growing older and moving through retirement is determining how you will pay for healthcare. While you are working, you likely have health insurance from your employer. Once you reach 65 and retire, you may apply for Medicare and Medicaid. These government-run programs can help you afford healthcare as you age. The services covered by these two...
Continue ReadingMany New York seniors rely on Medicaid to fund their long-term care. Medicaid will cover nursing home care for those 65 and older who meet the financial eligibility criteria. It also pays for assisted living facilities, home health, and non-medical services that allow seniors to remain in their homes. These Medicaid services are available only to those residents with...
Continue ReadingMedicaid is the single largest source of health coverage in the United States. About 80 million Americans are currently enrolled in Medicaid. If you are considering applying for Medicaid, you may be wondering, Can I pass the income assessment of a New York Medicaid? In this blog, we discuss the requirements for the income assessment for Medicaid in New...
Continue ReadingAs of September 2021, 3,703,618 New Yorkers were enrolled in Medicare, and 7,213,006 had Medicaid. While you’ve probably heard of both Medicare and Medicaid, they are two different programs that help you pay for healthcare. Each program provides different benefits and has different costs. Your attorney can help explain the advantages and disadvantages of each program based on your...
Continue ReadingBefore a loved one passes, they may spend some time in the hospital. Hospital bills and treatment expenses can add up quickly, especially with a progressive illness like cancer that requires expensive care. Debt collectors may start calling you at all hours, even while experiencing bereavement. Rest assured that the law is in your favor. In most cases, spouses...
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