Woburn Medicaid Application Attorneys

Helping Clients Secure Their Medicaid Benefits

If you are facing the possibility of needing long-term care, you may be concerned about how you will pay for medical costs. The costs associated with a stay in a long-term care facility can quickly create a financial crisis for you and your family.

Federal and state governments offer programs to help cover long-term care costs. These programs offer financial assistance but understanding your options and navigating the complex process of completing the Medicaid application can be overwhelming without legal assistance.

If you or a loved one need help with the Medicaid application process, contact Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law at our Woburn, Massachusetts office to schedule a consultation so we can review your case.

What is the Difference in Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicare and Medicaid are government health insurance programs for medical care and other costs. MassHealth is the official name of the Medicaid program in Massachusetts and provides the same benefits.

Medicare provides basic health coverage for individuals 65 and older regardless of their income, whereas MassHealth is designed to assist individuals with limited income and assets. The scope of Medicare benefits is often limited, and some individuals may require further coverage provided by MassHealth benefits.

Individuals who wish to apply for MassHealth can do so at any time, whereas those wishing to apply for Medicare may only do so during the open enrollment period.

What are the Payment Options for Long-Term Care Costs?

If you are facing the possibility of having to enter a nursing home, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the cost of long-term care. Private pay for nursing home care averages between $9,000 and $12,000 every month, which is not sustainable for most individuals or their families.

There is also the option of long-term care insurance to pay for costs but must already be in place to pay for care. Sadly, most insurers do not issue long-term care policies to individuals over 65, so very few people have this type of insurance to rely on.

Unfortunately, Medicare will only pay for a short stay in a nursing home. MassHealth benefits will pay for nursing home care for those who qualify. To qualify for MassHealth, stringent income requirements often pose problems for those with too many financial resources.

How Do My Assets Affect Me Applying for MassHealth Benefits?

Under state law, a single individual may only have a monthly income of $522 to qualify for MassHealth benefits. Depending on the size of your family and if you are married, a couple’s combined monthly income limit is around $650. Eligibility guidelines only allow applicants to have less than $2,000 in countable assets.

Suppose you have concerns about how you will pay for long-term care costs. In that case, seeking legal counsel from a Medicaid application attorney who can professionally evaluate your assets and determine your legal options is best.

One option is to develop a plan that allows you to “spend down” money, qualify for benefits, and protect your assets. Another option is to create an irrevocable trust that offers long-term asset protection for you and your family.

MassHealth also has a five-year look-back period, meaning they can review financial records within that time frame to determine eligibility. If you are not sure about how your assets could affect your eligibility it is best to consult with a qualified lawyer immediately.

What Makes Your Law Firm the Right Choice to Help Me With a Medicaid Application?

Simmons & Schiavo Attorneys At Law is a law firm that understands that dealing with all the changes life throws at you as you age can be challenging. Our Woburn Medicaid application attorneys have extensive experience helping clients manage their assets and other financial resources to qualify for the care they need.

When you come to us for help, we will thoroughly assess your needs and review your circumstances to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. Many clients mistakenly believe that when a crisis occurs, and they need help quickly, it is too late to qualify for benefits or spend their assets unnecessarily.

Contact our Woburn, Massachusetts, law firm today by calling 781-675-1315 to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable attorney who will gladly answer your questions and review your legal options.