An Elder Law Attorney Can Help with Applying for Medicaid

Hook Law Center (formerly Oast & Hook)

Virginia Beach, VA (Law Firm Newswire) August 25, 2015 – Filing for Medicaid can be complex, especially for people over the age of 65 and those who need long-term care. In such cases, hiring an attorney when applying for Medicaid can be important in securing coverage.

“An attorney can help individuals identify which programs they may qualify for and take steps to become eligible if necessary, as well as provide assistance with the application process itself,” said Andrew H. Hook, a Virginia elder law attorney with Hook Law Center, with offices in Virginia Beach and northern Suffolk.

Medicaid is the federal health care program for people who do not have any other form of insurance, or whose insurance does not cover needed services such as long-term care. Medicaid eligibility is based on income for those under the age of 65 who are not in need of long-term care. For those over the age of 65 and those who need long-term care, a variety of factors are taken into account to determine eligibility.

In most states, Medicaid applicants over the age of 65 must have no more than $2,000 in countable assets. It is possible to spend down to qualify for coverage, but the process can have complications. Spending down can impact one’s future financial stability, and could potentially disqualify those applying for long-term care coverage.

There are a variety of different Medicaid programs, and each program has its own rules, so enlisting the advice of an attorney before applying is a good policy for all applicants.

Those applying for long-term care coverage, should hire an attorney to complete the application. Such applications are subject to extra scrutiny, with detailed financial information from five years prior to the application required. Certain transfers of assets can disqualify applicants for five years, so the assistance of attorney can be essential.