The firm has considerable experience advising and assisting clients in the legal issues pertaining to long term health care. Typically, the goal of our client is to preserve assets for retirement and to pass along assets to family members. Lawyers and staff are knowledgeable about Medicaid, Medicare, trusts, private health insurance plans, annuities and other programs or arrangements that can help meet a client's' short or long term needs. We recommend advance planning and a financial check-up near retirement age, but we also are happy to advise clients at any time or during an emergency.
It is very important to consult with an attorney before transfering or selling property if concerned about applying for Medicaid to help pay for long term care. Incorrect action can result in penalities and ineligibility.
MEDICAID PLANNING AND ASSET PROTECTION
We provide legal assistance to disabled people of all ages, from infants to the very elderly. This can include such things as disability trusts, structured settlements, annuities, Medicare set aside trusts, and pooled trusts. The firm works with many personal injury lawyers and workers compensation lawyers in structuring settlements to benefit disabled persons.
Medicaid is a governmental health care program that is "needs based". Certain income and assets levels are imposed and spousal protections are available but placing money in the "wrong" kind of trust can result in ineligibility for Medicaid. Medicare is a health care program available to recipients of either Social Security retirement benefits, or for recipients of disability benefits following two years of disability. Annuities are contracts with insurance companies to pay principal and interest over a period of years or for life. Financial planners often assist our clients so that they can decide which financial product will best lead to accomplishing their goals.
DISABILITY PLANNING
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