Medicaid Planning and Elder Law.
One of the greatest fears we have as we grow older is the need, at some point, to go into a nursing home. We face not only a loss of personal freedom, but the potential for significant financial expenses, as well. It is not necessary, however, to use your life savings to pay for it. With careful and individualized planning, whether in advance or as the result of an unexpected circumstance, it may be possible to protect your assets.
Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible people who lack the money or sufficient health insurance to provide for their medical care. These include those 65 or older who need a nursing facility, and those who are blind or otherwise disabled. Individuals applying for Medicaid are bound by guidelines that include state residency, income limits, and asset limits. Both the federal government and the State of Ohio fund Medicaid, and it is administered at the county level by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Medicaid Long-Term Health Coverage provides additional services for persons who are aged, blind or have other disabilities, and who can satisfy additional Medicaid requirements. This program is most frequently used by nursing home residents or those in intermediate care facilities. It also provides an option that permits eligible persons to receive care in their homes. People using the Long-Term Health Package also receive coverage offered by the Basic Health Package, regardless of whether they are institutionalized or at home.
Medicaid Planning is unique to each individual or family situation. If you have additional questions, we have attorneys at Sitterley, Vandervoort & Nixon Ltd who are skilled in Elder Law and can answer them. They can also discuss Medicaid planning options in greater detail.
