Qualified and experienced elder law attorneys help those, who need long term care, qualify to have the care paid by Medi-Cal benefits. For both Medi-Cal, you need to financially (and medically) qualify. Here are 12 ways in which elder law attorneys help people qualify for financial assistance, if they are not immediately eligible. Consult with a qualified and experienced elder law attorney whose practice includes Medi-Cal long term care benefits to determine which strategies are best for … [Read more...] about There are Many Ways to Qualify for Medi-Cal to Pay for Long Term Care
Long Term Care Planning
What is your greatest fear?
According to the study Aging in Place in America, more people over the age of 65 are afraid of moving into a nursing home than are afraid of death. One of the problems with our fears is that so many of us choose to ignore them. Ignoring the possible need for nursing home care means that you miss out on the valuable chance to plan ahead. Not only does planning ahead let you shape what your nursing home experience might look like, it also allows you to think carefully about how you’ll pay for … [Read more...] about What is your greatest fear?
Should I Pay a Lawyer for Medi-Cal Planning?
Elder law attorneys vary in what they charge for Medi-Cal planning; a common fee is equivalent to the average cost of one month in a nursing home. However, it will typically vary depending on the complexity of the needed planning. Why should you pay thousands of dollars for Medi-Cal planning? The answer is simple: To save what you have. If you don’t bother with nursing home planning and you need care, you will continue to pay with your private funds until they run out. Once you’re broke, … [Read more...] about Should I Pay a Lawyer for Medi-Cal Planning?
NEW CALIFORNIA LAW HELPS PERSONS WHO ESTABLISHED EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND THEN NEED MEDI-CAL LONG TERM CARE ASSISTANCE
Parents, grandparents and other family members seeking to assist other family members (often children and grandchildren) with the high cost of college education will commonly turn to Education Savings Accounts to put away money for this purpose. These accounts are often referred to as “529 accounts”, which is a reference to the section of the Internal Revenue Code that authorizes these tax-advantaged accounts. When properly established, 529 accounts grow on a tax-deferred basis (like an … [Read more...] about NEW CALIFORNIA LAW HELPS PERSONS WHO ESTABLISHED EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND THEN NEED MEDI-CAL LONG TERM CARE ASSISTANCE
13 Disturbing Estate Planning Problems
Each of these 13 disturbing estate planning facts is true; but, each situation can be avoided with a strong, individualized, comprehensive, and up-to-date estate plan. If you don’t name a guardian in your will, your minor children could end up with persons you either don't like or don't know. If you don’t provide for your pet in your estate plan, your pet may be euthanized when you die. If you put assets in joint tenancy with a second spouse, your children may be disinherited. If … [Read more...] about 13 Disturbing Estate Planning Problems
Five Things You Probably Didn’t Know about Medi-Cal
Many people make it through their entire working years without ever needing to turn to Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) for help with healthcare expenses thanks to employer-sponsored or privately funded health insurance. If you are one of those people, you may find that you do need to rely on Medi-Cal as a senior if you need long-term care because of the prohibitive cost of that care. With that in mind, the Sacramento Medi-Cal attorneys at the Northern California Center for Estate … [Read more...] about Five Things You Probably Didn’t Know about Medi-Cal
Alzheimer’s Disease: Choosing a Long Term Care Facility
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease who can no longer be cared for at home, make sure that he or she is getting the best care possible in a long term care facility. It’s important that you carefully research so that you can find a facility that will meet all of your loved one’s needs. Take a look at the following information to learn more. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss long term care options, contact an elder law attorney. There are many long term care … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s Disease: Choosing a Long Term Care Facility
New VA Rules Changes Sharply Restrict Eligibility for Needs-Based Pension Benefits
Three and a half years after announcing draft rule changes, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has finalized new rules, effective October 18, 2018, that establish, among other things, a new asset limit test, a novel look-back period and penalties on claimants applying for VA needs-based benefits who are found to have violated these rules. The new rules apply to what is known as the Improved Pension program, commonly referred to as “Aid and Attendance” and “Housebound” benefits. These … [Read more...] about New VA Rules Changes Sharply Restrict Eligibility for Needs-Based Pension Benefits
A Primer on Medi-Cal Long Term Care Planning (Part 2 of 2)
In Part 1, we provided an overview of the Medi-Cal Long Term Care program and its eligibility requirements. In this installment, we will focus on specific planning strategies. When Should You Plan for Medi-Cal Long Term Care? It is never too late to get help with Medi-Cal planning, even if you or your loved one is already in a nursing home. However, the sooner you begin to plan, the better. Estate planning and elder law attorneys divide Medi-Cal planning into two categories based on how … [Read more...] about A Primer on Medi-Cal Long Term Care Planning (Part 2 of 2)
A Primer on Medi-Cal Long Term Care Planning (Part 1 of 2)
If you are concerned about long term care costs, you are not alone. According to the study Aging in Place in America, more people over the age of 65 are afraid of moving into a nursing home than are afraid of death. One of the problems with our fears is that so many of us choose to ignore them. Ignoring the possible need for nursing home care means that you miss out on the valuable chance to plan ahead. Not only does planning ahead let you shape what your nursing home experience might look … [Read more...] about A Primer on Medi-Cal Long Term Care Planning (Part 1 of 2)
