Michael C. Murphy Elder Law P.C.

Nursing home and medical care costs resulting from a catastrophic illness, accident or a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's can impose serious financial burdens on a family. Nursing home care alone conservatively cost $6,000 a month. This comes at a time when it can be least afforded, usually after retirement, when individuals are on a fixed income. In addition, it comes at a very difficult time — both physically and emotionally.

In most cases neither Medicare nor existing health insurance pays for long term nursing home care. Long term care insurance is expensive and because of health issues may be unavailable Accordingly, many families find themselves seriously depleting their hard-earned assets in order to pay for care for their loved ones.

THIS DOES NOT NEED TO HAPPEN!

Proper Medicaid planning can reduce or even eliminate the drain on a family's resources for long-term care.

• What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?

• Who is eligible for Medicaid?

• How much in assets can I own and still get Medicaid?

• If my spouse is in a nursing home, how much in assets can my spouse and I own and still be eligible for Medicaid?

• How much income can I have and be eligible for Medicaid?

• Can I give away my property or sell it for a low price before entering a nursing home?

• Can I transfer my assets into a trust in order to qualify for Medicaid benefits?

• Is there anything I can do to preserve my estate even if nursing home care is needed?

• Are the Medicaid planning techniques used by you in any way illegal or fraudulent?

• My mother is in a nursing home. Is it too late to start Medicaid planning?