Planning for long-term care is one of the most important, and often most overwhelming, legal and financial challenges facing individuals and families today.
We often hear from clients about how confusing and difficult it can be to access these programs, programs they have paid into through taxes, when they need them most.
Needs-based government benefit programs such as Medicaid, VA benefits, SSI, and MiChoice/PACE, are incredibly complex and difficult to qualify for without proper guidance. The rules governing eligibility are highly technical, and without careful planning, individuals may be forced to spend down significant assets before qualifying for assistance.
We are here to help guide you through every step of the process.
The sooner planning begins, the more options are typically available, and the better the outcomes we can help you achieve.
Strategic Planning to Protect Assets
There are effective planning strategies available to help qualify for Medicaid and other needs-based benefits while preserving a substantial portion of assets, often 50% to nearly 100% in some cases.
These strategies can help ensure that assets are preserved and available to improve your loved one’s quality of life. They can also protect assets from Medicaid estate recovery, helping ensure that those assets pass to a surviving spouse, family members, or other beneficiaries.
In many cases, Medicaid benefits can cover significant long-term care costs, which, according to estimates from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), exceed $12,000 per month. This emphasizes the importance of proper planning.
Our Two-Phase Approach
Because of the complexity involved with long-term care planning, we break the process down into two clear and easy-to-understand phases for our clients:
Phase I: Planning & Analysis
We begin by conducting a detailed review of the individual’s financial situation, including assets, health, and goals. From there, we provide an analysis of available benefit programs, along with clear, customized recommendations and step-by-step guidance to help achieve eligibility while preserving as many assets as possible.
Phase II: Implementation
We handle the process from start to finish. This includes preparing trusts and other legal documents, coordinating appropriate financial strategies, completing and submitting benefit applications, and working directly with agency case workers throughout the approval process.
Schedule a Consultation
Long-term care and Medicaid planning are some of the most complex areas of law. Our firm has significant experience in this field, allowing us to guide clients through the process from start to finish with confidence and clarity.
If you or a loved one may need long-term care planning, we encourage you to take action early.
Contact UsTo learn more or schedule a free consultation, please contact our office.
Written by:
Ryan J. Plantrich, Esq., & Noah J. Christie, Esq.
