Elder law is a relatively new area of the law, yet it couldn’t possibly be a more important area of the law. The elderly face legal issues that are not faced by their younger counterparts. Paying for long-term care, which often entails qualifying for Medicaid, is just one of those issues. An elder law attorney understands the issues faced by the elderly and their loved ones and is prepared with viable solutions to those issues.
At Amen, Gantner & Capriano – Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. we understand how important it is to you and your family to have an attorney on whom you can count to advise and guide you with regard to St. Louis Missouri elder law and Medicaid planning issues. Contact us today by calling (314) 966-8077 or by filling out our online contact form so we can get started protecting you and your family.
What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?
The term “elder law” has only been around for about three decades – a relatively short period of time in the law. Although the elderly have always faced unique legal issues, the law did not always respond to those issues as it should have. With a booming elderly population in the United States, the protection and care of the elderly has taken center stage in many industries, including the law.
Unlike many other areas of the law, elder law does not require a specialized knowledge of a specific subject matter. Instead, an elder law attorney has a broad knowledge base that encompasses the various health, social, familial, and legal issues faced by the elderly and their loved ones. Compassion and competence are combined when practicing elder law.
Do I Need to Include Medicaid Planning in My Estate Plan?
The average American can expect to live almost twice as long as he would have a century ago. Living longer, however, often means a lengthy stay in a long-term care facility near the end of life. In fact, studies tell us that we all stand a 40 percent chance of spending time in a long-term care facility at some point during our lives. Not surprisingly, those odds increase with age. If you live to the age of 80 you have a 75 percent chance of spending time in a long-term care facility during your lifetime.
Considering that the average stay in a long-term care facility is two and a half years, it isn’t surprising that the costs associated with long-term care can wipeout a lifetime of working hard and saving wisely. Though the Medicare program doesn’t cover long-term care costs, Medicaid does; however, you must qualify for benefits first. That’s where Medicaid planning comes in. By incorporating Medicaid planning into your overall estate plan you can protect your hard earned assets while ensuring that you will qualify for much needed benefits should you need them down the road.
St. Louis Missouri Elder Law and Medicaid Advice and Guidance
The earlier you begin planning for long-term care the better prepared you will be to handle the costs associated with that care and the more secure your assets will be. Contact the St. Louis Missouri elder law and Medicaid planning attorneys at Amen, Gantner & Capriano – Your Estate Matters, L.L.C. to get started on your plan today by calling (314) 966-8077 or by filling out our online contact form.
