Elder Law

HOW CAN WE HELP?

I HAVE A CRISIS

I NEED A PLAN

Confused about Medicaid? You’re not alone! The complexity surrounding this constantly changing area of the law can sometimes feel overwhelming… it doesn’t need to be.

Caring for the elderly and ensuring their assets are protected are some of the primary services offered by our law firm.

What is Elder Law?

Elder Law involves planning for the complex health care, long-term care, and other issues facing elderly and disabled individuals and their families. Studies show that we stand a 40 percent chance of needing long-term care at least once before we die. Therefore, everyone should take into account that at some point residency in a nursing home or an assisted living facility may be needed.

However, the substantial cost of nursing home care for an incapacitated person can wipe away a family’s nest egg and the inheritance planned for surviving family members. The primary alternative to privately paying the nursing home is Medicaid.

Medicaid Planning Myths

So many times clients come to our office under the mistaken impression that there is nothing that can be done to protect assets from nursing home costs. Fortunately much of the circulating consumer knowledge is false or misinterpreted. For example, it isn’t always necessary to wait 5 years after gifting assets to become eligible for Medicaid. The answer actually depends upon the specific facts of your case. With the help of an experienced Elder Law and Medicaid Planning attorney many of the assets you have spent a lifetime accumulating can be protected from high nursing home expenses.

Medicaid Asset Protection Strategies

Although with the recent passage of the Deficit Reduction Act, increased restrictions affect the use of some techniques, other asset protection strategies remain viable, especially for married couples where one spouse requires long-term care. Some of these techniques may include setting up an Irrevocable Living Trust, making gifts to family members, and paying for certain Medicaid expenses.

Whether you are facing long-term care issues yourself or you have a family member who is, we encourage you to call with your questions or ask us for a free report. Be sure to call sooner rather than later because the timing of the decisions families need to make has a dramatic impact on whether or not someone can actually qualify for this type of support.

Elder Law involves planning for the complex health care, long-term care, and other issues facing elderly and disabled individuals and their families. Studies show that we stand a 40 percent chance of needing long-term care at least once before we die. Therefore, everyone should take into account that at some point residency in a nursing home or an assisted living facility may be needed.

However, the substantial cost of nursing home care for an incapacitated person can wipe away a family’s nest egg and the inheritance planned for surviving family members. The primary alternative to privately paying the nursing home is Medicaid.

If you have questions about any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us or call us at <%= company_phone %>.

Are You A Caregiver

Are You A Caregiver For a Loved One?

The job of caring for someone with a physical or mental disability, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is one of the biggest challenges you will ever face. In addition to juggling your own schedule, you are constantly on call, making sure your loved one’s needs...

Read More

Coping With Alzheimer's

Coping with Alzheimer’s is difficult for patients and for families. Amen, Gantner & Capriano – Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. is here to help. Whether you have just received a diagnosis or whether Alzheimer’s has advanced to a more debilitating stage, we provide assistance in understanding and addressing legal and financial issues.

Read More

Emergency Medicaid & Nursing Home Planning

When a medical emergency hits your family, knowing what to do next can be very difficult. You need to understand the process for getting care costs covered and must be cognizant of your rights and obligations when seeking nursing care.

Read More

Guardianship & Conservatorship

Guardianship and conservatorship are an option when an adult or child needs someone to look out for his or her interests. While most children have their parents as guardians, adults don’t have guardians except in limited situations where they are unable to make decisions or manage their own affairs. If you find yourself in a situation where a family member needs help managing his life, guardianship and conservatorship may be the answer.

Read More

Hospice Care

Many people desire hospice care at the end of their life, as hospice is designed to provide a better experience for patients and their families as patients transition. If you are interested in hospice care, it is beneficial to plan in advance to make your wishes known. A decision to go into hospice care also means it is time to make sure all of your affairs are in order so your loved ones are protected after you are gone.

Read More

Medicaid Planning

One of the most important things that you can do as you get older is to make a Medicaid plan. Medicaid planning is designed to ensure you can protect your assets and get nursing home care paid for in the event you require full time care. A St. Louis elder law attorney should be consulted to help with Medicaid planning early, well before you actually require nursing care, so your assets can be kept safe.

Read More

Options for Paying for Nursing Home Care

1. Medicare: Provides very limited long-term care coverage. Many people incorrectly assume Medicare will take care of their nursing home expenses. Unfortunately, Medicare typically covers a maximum of 100 days of long-term care.
2. Long-term Care Insurance: If your loved one has a policy it may cover most – or even all...
   Read More