The field of elder law involves helping seniors become prepared for all the eventualities of aging, and of course, as you get older the need for health care generally becomes more pressing. We are all aware of the high cost of medical services, and most people gain some peace of mind from the understanding that they will be qualified for Medicare when they become senior citizens. The fact is that Medicare does not cover everything, so when you are planning for the future it is important to gain … [Read more...] about Medicare vs. Medi-Cal: Do You Know the Difference?
Medicare
Help with Healthcare Costs — Medicaid (aka Medi-Cal) and Medicare
If you have an elderly loved one who is living on a fixed income, and also has regular monthly medical expenses, those expenses may be adding up quickly. If your loved one is lucky enough to have private healthcare coverage, then he or she is better off than many elderly Americans. Unfortunately, many of America’s elderly struggle with both the rising cost of healthcare and the increased need for medical services as a result of the natural aging process. Two government programs--Medicaid (called … [Read more...] about Help with Healthcare Costs — Medicaid (aka Medi-Cal) and Medicare
Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
It can be heart wrenching to decide if a family member or friend you love can no longer safely live in their own home. It can be scary for that loved one to think about his or her care needs and possible new living environments. If you have concerns about a loved one , consider the following questions when determining care needs. If you need help, consult with an experienced and qualified estate and elder care attorney. Does your loved one have medical needs that require special … [Read more...] about Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
Ways to Pay for Long Term Care
Paying for long term care is a scary thing for most families. In California, the annual costs of a semi-private room (one roommate) is over $100,000 and a private room is even more. Double these numbers if spouses or partners need care at the same time and there are additional expenses as well. How to Pay for Long Term Care Private Pay Long Term Care Insurance Veterans Benefits Medicare Medi-Cal Private Pay Some folks can self insure because they can afford to private … [Read more...] about Ways to Pay for Long Term Care
Deciphering Medicare Benefits vs Medi-Cal Benefits
Many folks continue to be confused about the differences between Medi-Cal and Medicare. Both Medicare and Medi-Cal, which is California’s name for the Medi-Cal program, have their originals in federal law. They were originally enacted in 1965 under President Johnson’s Great Society programs. Both programs have evolved over the years. Medicare was focused on providing health care for the elderly while Medi-Cal was focused on providing health care for the poor. California’s Medi-Cal … [Read more...] about Deciphering Medicare Benefits vs Medi-Cal Benefits
Fraud and Abuse Rampant in Medicare Hospice Program
When a patient elects hospice care, he/she is choosing to receive care that will not cure their terminal illness, but should provide comfort and relief from pain. All services related to their terminal illness become the hospice’s responsibility. It appears, however, that hospices do not always provide the care patients need to control pain and manage symptoms, according to a report issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (OIG). On the … [Read more...] about Fraud and Abuse Rampant in Medicare Hospice Program
Confused about Medicare vs. Medi-Cal vs. Medicaid?
Many people are confused about the differences between Medicare and Medi-Cal. While these programs may sound similar, they are in fact two distinct and different programs. Medicare is an entitlement program that is funded by the federal government. It does not depend on one’s assets or income. Benefits are earned by virtue of payments made into this program over one’s working lifetime. When one retires from the workforce at age 65 or so, or earlier due to a disability, Medicare coverage … [Read more...] about Confused about Medicare vs. Medi-Cal vs. Medicaid?
You Don’t Have to Be Sick to Need Medi-Cal Planning
Simply because you are healthy right now doesn't mean you may not need long-term care when you get older. This is a common misconception shared by many. The truth is, you don't have to be sick to need Medi-Cal planning. You may not have health issues at the moment, but who can predict how healthy they will be in 40 years? An unexpected injury could also leave you with health issues that require long-term care as well. In fact, more than two-thirds of all individuals over the age of 65 need … [Read more...] about You Don’t Have to Be Sick to Need Medi-Cal Planning
Medi-Cal Laws are Favorable for Sacramento Residents
Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, provides, among other benefits, no-cost or low-cost health insurance for adults age 65 years or older, blind, disabled, pregnant, or in a long-term facility. The program also provides benefits for non-disabled, non-elderly and qualifying adults aged 19-64 whose income levels are at or below 138% the Federal Poverty Level. For Sacramento residents, it is important to know that the Medi-Cal benefits are available if you qualify or you have a loved one who … [Read more...] about Medi-Cal Laws are Favorable for Sacramento Residents
What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?
An elder law attorney specializes in legal issues that relate to seniors and the problems they tend to face. This particular area of the law only became well-recognized in the 1980s when the legal issues affecting seniors became more complicated. The challenges of qualifying for Medi-Cal coverage at a time when the need for nursing home care was on the rise brought to light the advantages of having an elder law attorney for assistance. So, what exactly does an elder law attorney do? What … [Read more...] about What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?
