October 02, 2017
Misconceptions About Medicaid Planning in Michigan
The costs of nursing home care, home health care, and assisted living are rising. A survey conducted by Genworth, an insurance company, the cost of a private nursing home room is estimated to be $8,121 a month or $97,452 per year. A semi-private room is not much less at $85,776 per year. The cost of a home health aide is estimated to be $4,099 per month and the cost of assisted living facilities average $3,750 per month. With the cost of care rising, families need to take steps now to plan for the cost of future care.
Medicaid Planning in Michigan
One way to pay for long-term care is by applying for Medicaid benefits. However, you must qualify for benefits based on strict guidelines and complex rules. Many people have misconceptions about Medicaid and nursing home care. Below are several myths and the truth that you need to know about preparing for nursing home care.
- I Waited Too Long to Begin Medicaid Planning
Even if you need long-term care in a nursing home or assisted care facility right now, you may still have options that can protect your assets from Medicaid liens. Our experienced Brighton Medicaid attorney can review your situation and advise you of the options you have to qualify for Medicaid benefits while protecting your property.
- My friend said I could not qualify for Medicaid because I transferred my property to a family member.
While you can be penalized for transferring property within the past five years from the date you apply for benefits, there are exceptions to this rule. Some transfers may be considered appropriate during the 5-year look-back period. Because Medicaid rules are complex, it is best to consult with a Michigan Medicaid attorney instead of accepting the advice of friends, family, co-workers, or online sources who are not experienced Medicaid lawyers.
- My Medicare and other insurance coverage will pay for nursing home care if I need it.
Medicare does not pay for long-term nursing home care. Your Medicare benefits will pay for up to 100 days of care in a facility under specific circumstances. Likewise, your health insurance will not pay for long-term care unless you have purchased a long-term care insurance policy.
- I don’t need Medicaid planning because I don’t have anything.
Do you own a home? If so, you have something to protect. Medicaid planning is for anyone who wants to help ensure they have the benefits to cover long-term care if nursing home care is needed in the future.
A common fear our attorneys hear from clients is that they are scared to accept benefits because their home or other assets will be seized when they pass away leaving their families with nothing. While it is true that Medicaid’s recovery program can result in property being seized after death, planning for care now might prevent this from happening to your family after your death.
- If I try to protect my assets and use Medicaid for long-term care, I am breaking the law and stealing from the poor.
No, you are not breaking the law, scamming the system, being unethical, or taking advantage of a system designed for people who are poor or disabled by consulting a Brighton Medicaid planning lawyer. Medicaid is not just for low-income families or single parents. The Medicaid system is designed to provide benefits for the elderly and disabled too. You do not need to be broke or spend all your money to qualify for benefits.
Our attorneys are honest, compassionate individuals who want to help you and your family protect what you have worked hard to achieve throughout your lives. We also want you to receive the long-term care you need without worrying about how to pay for that care.
Everything we do is in accordance with the federal and state laws applicable to Medicaid and long-term care. These laws are designed to dictate the steps you can and cannot take to prepare for your future care legally. We work with you, within the limits of the law, to devise strategies that preserve as much of your assets as possible while allowing you to meet the eligibility requirements for benefits.
Why Do I Need a Michigan Medicaid Attorney?
As mentioned above, the federal and state laws governing Medicaid are complex and can be difficult to understand. Navigating the system can be overwhelming. If you make a mistake, it could result in a denial or delay of benefits. The result can be very costly for you and your loved ones.
Government employees cannot offer legal advice and most will not answer any questions because they do not want to be accused of giving advice. Therefore, you need an attorney who has experience in this area of law to guide you through the steps you need to take to prepare for long-term care.
The Elder Care Firm of Christopher J. Berry, CELA
None of us want to think about a time when we may need personal care or long-term medical care. However, the time to act is now while you are healthy.
Contact our law firm by calling 888-390-4360 or by using the contact form on our website. Our primary office is in Brighton, but we have satellite offices in Bloomfield Hills, Livonia, and Novi to better serve our clients. Our attorneys are happy to answer questions about nursing home care and assisted living facilities, including how to pay nursing home costs.