Frequently Asked Questions about Medicaid Planning in Orlando

Planning for Medicaid eligibility becomes more crucial as you get older. Some people are shocked to find out that Medicare won’t cover their long-term care needs, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. That is something Medicaid can help with, but there are strict eligibility requirements. Most people don’t have the resources to pay thousands of dollars every month for facility care, which is why proper Medicaid planning is crucial. That is one reason to contact an Orlando Medicaid planning attorney who can help.

At the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A., we have years of experience helping Florida clients with their Medicaid eligibility. Understandably, prospective clients have numerous questions. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicaid coverage and eligibility to help get you started.

Can I keep my home, and Medicaid will still pay for long-term care?

This is a complicated question, and the answer will depend on multiple variables. You need to talk with an experienced Orlando Medicaid attorney about your specific situation. Yes, there are some situations where you can keep your home and still get assistance with long-term care. While Medicaid may provide some help, the government will look to recover some of their costs from your estate once you pass away.

What doesn’t Medicaid cover?

Medicaid does not cover all expenses once you place a family member in a nursing home. Some basic needs that aren’t covered include a private room, radio or television, dentistry, telephone, eye care, personal clothing, entertainment, and more.

What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for people who are 65 and older. It will cover your doctors’ visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, etc. When it comes to nursing care, Medicare only covers limited skilled nursing care. Medicaid is coverage for limited-income people who meet specific eligibility criteria, regardless of age. It will cover some nursing home care.

If my spouse needs nursing home care, will I need to get rid of assets?

This is a common misconception about Medicaid, but no, you don’t necessarily need to liquidate your assets. Under the federal Spousal Impoverishment Protection rules, you can retain your home, your car, and countable assets up to an allotted state maximum.

What happens if I have joint accounts with my children?

Any assets that have your name will be looked at for Medicaid eligibility unless you can prove that your kids are the only ones who contributed money to the accounts. This is not necessarily easy, which is why there are better ways to protect your assets for the purposes of Medicaid eligibility.

My family member is already in a nursing home, can they protect their assets?

While it’s too late to do the best job possible, it’s never too late to protect your assets. However, it’s best to start planning as soon as possible. The sooner you begin, the more you can protect.

Contact an Orlando Medicaid Planning Attorney

If you need assistance with Medicaid planning in Orlando, contact the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A., today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us put our years of experience to work for you and help you start Medicaid planning today.

https://sheafugate.com/possible-benefits-you-qualify-for-under-veterans-disability-in-florida/