Choosing to hire a Medicaid attorney is an important decision for you and your family — one you should not take lightly. With so many law firms in New York, narrowing down your choices can be difficult. Learning what to ask a Medicaid attorney and why it is important is the first step.
Preparing the right questions, such as “What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?” can help you find the best attorney for your family’s needs. Both of these government-run programs differ in eligibility requirements, coverage, and cost. The qualified Medicaid attorneys at Tully Law Group, PC could help you determine which program would meet your long-term needs and we could even help you apply for coverage.
One of the key questions you should ask a potential Medicaid attorney is to explain the program’s eligibility requirements. Advanced planning for this federal and state funded program is essential because it has strict income limits that change yearly. Many seniors may not qualify without implementing strategies beforehand that help protect your assets from the often high costs of health care.
New Yorkers who apply for Medicaid coverage are likely to be subject to the five-year look-back period. Under this rule, the agency reviews your financials over the last 60 months to determine if you (or your spouse) made gifts or transferred assets to reduce your resources to a qualifying level. Our experienced lawyers could assess your financial history and develop any necessary strategies to ensure you comply with the program’s strict income regulations.
The Medicaid spend-down period in New York is a six-month time period during which an applicant must reduce their monthly income to a qualifying level. The legal team at Tully Law Group, PC could use this period to identify your medical expenses and create a plan to use those costs to help you qualify for the program.
Our practice focuses on elder law so we can provide our clients with comprehensive services, like setting up a pooled income trust. We could help ensure that any excess income does not make you ineligible for Medicaid by setting up this type of trust. A pooled income trust allows disabled individuals to manage their excess income for quality-of-life expenses, while protecting you from having to go through the spend down process.
The Medicaid lawyers at Tully Law Group, PC provide a range of legal services for seniors navigating life care planning. If you are unsure about what to ask a Medicaid attorney, schedule a consultation with us today to get the answers you need. Our team could help walk you through the Medicaid process and address your concerns.
