Medicaid Planning Overview
Many senior citizens need long-term care at some point. Some senior citizens do not have family members who can give them the kind of care they need, and because of that as well as many other factors, they will need nursing home care.
But nursing home care and other long-term care arrangements are expensive. Medicaid can help fund these things, but you must meet the financial qualifications. At Overstreet Law, P.A., our attorneys will walk you through the process and help you begin planning for Medicaid so that you or a loved one qualify if or when the time comes.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals as well as families that are low income. Costs of this program are typically covered by a combination of federal and state funding. Services are provided to those with limited financial means so that they can obtain the medical care they need with limited out-of-pocket costs.
Medicaid also provides coverage to disabled people in some situations. It can assist the elderly with paying Medicare premiums.
Planning for Medicaid in Florida
Before submitting an application for Medicaid, many people go through a process known as Medicaid planning. Medicaid planning is assessing a potential applicant's ability to receive Medicaid and taking steps to improve their chances of receiving it.
Why People Plan for Medicaid
There are multiple reasons why people engage in Medicaid planning in order to qualify for the program. Three common reasons are:
- To obtain coverage for the cost of long-term care that they would not otherwise be able to afford;
- To preserve assets that may otherwise become part of Medicaid's estate recovery program; and
- Because the Medicaid application process can be confusing, getting assistance from someone who understands how it works can prove very beneficial in the long run.
Medicaid planning benefits people who really need the services provided but fear they may not qualify. If you do not have the financial resources or family members who are able to care for you when it becomes harder for you to do it yourself, you should speak to an attorney to plan your estate. Qualifying for Medicaid can be a big help just when you need it.
Medicaid Eligibility & Coverage in Florida
Medicaid planning exists to provide medical coverage to those people who need it most. Following are some of the main qualifications that must be met.
Income-Based Eligibility
Income is one of the primary factors considered in a Medicaid eligibility determination. For most children, pregnant women, parents, and adults, their income must be below a certain threshold. This amount is calculated using taxable income and tax filing relationships.
There are cases where people who wish to qualify for Medicaid give their possessions to their children or other family members so that they may qualify for benefits. There are rules established to prevent this from happening, and it may not be in your best interest to give away your property. Thus, the reason it is important to speak with an estate planning attorney in Florida.
Non-Income Based Eligibility
There are ways to qualify for Medicaid even if you are unable to qualify under the income requirements. Blindness, disability, or age (over the age of 65) are other ways to qualify. Veterans may also qualify for Medicaid benefits.
Coverage Services Provided by Medicaid
Federal law mandates that certain services be covered by Medicaid, while other services are decided by each state. Typically, Medicaid covers the following:
- Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Visits
- Home Health Services
- Physician Services
- X-Ray Services
- Laboratory Services
You will need to check with your state to determine what other services may be covered.
How a Medicaid Attorney in Florida Can Help
If you or a loved one is in need of the long-term care that Medicaid helps cover, but you are unsure if you will be able to qualify, our attorneys can help. They will know what the threshold amount is for qualification. If your income exceeds that amount, they will be able to work with you to formulate a plan to help you become qualified. One of the ways to accomplish the latter is through shielding your assets so they are no longer considered when your financial situation is assessed to determine Medicaid eligibility.