New Jersey and Pennsylvania Medicaid Lawyers

Helping Clients Protect Their Hard-Earned Assets for Today and the Future

As the population continues to age, many older adults may have to go into a nursing home or assisted living facility. Sadly, long-term care costs are more than most people can afford, and many need to look to Medicaid to help them pay for the care they need.

The Medicaid program has strict rules regarding the assets that individuals can have and still qualify for. If you are considering going to a nursing home, you may be worried about qualifying or the facility trying to seize your assets.

One of the first steps in starting long-term care planning is to consult an experienced attorney. Bratton Law Group has skilled Medicaid planning attorneys who understand the legal complexities of obtaining Medicaid benefits. We know that you want to protect your assets and pass them down to the next generation or other family members, and we will fight to help you have the peace of mind you deserve.

Contact our law offices to schedule an appointment with an experienced Medicaid attorney who will gladly answer your questions.

What is Medicaid Planning?

Medicaid planning in NJ and PA involves helping individuals qualify for Medicaid eligibility while ensuring they can preserve assets for themselves or family members. Because Medicaid is a needs-based program, an individual’s income and existing financial resources determine eligibility. Individuals who have assets that exceed Medicaid’s eligibility limits are often concerned about what legal options they can pursue if they or a loved one suddenly needs long-term care.

Fortunately, asset-protection planning enables individuals to qualify for Medicaid benefits while protecting their resources. Some of the most common Medicaid planning strategies include:

• Placing countable assets into irrevocable trusts. Once assets are placed in an irrevocable trust, they are no longer considered your property and are not subject to Medicaid eligibility
• Spending down assets, such as paying off debts or prepaying for funeral costs
• Income management to ensure that you comply with Medicaid eligibility rules

It is highly recommended that you consult an experienced NJ or PA Medicaid planning attorney to determine how to protect assets and meet eligibility requirements. We know you have worked hard to build your financial resources, and our law firm is dedicated to helping you protect your life savings. Allow our elder law attorneys to provide the information you need to make informed decisions so you can protect your assets.

What is the Medicaid Look Back Period?

One of the most critical issues many families face when considering long-term care is the Medicaid “look-back” period. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid has strict asset limits regarding how much money or property an applicant has at their disposal.

The look-back period is a five-year analysis of an individual’s financial history when applying for Medicaid. The five-year financial review ensures that the applicant has not sold or given away assets to meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Some of the most common violations that can result in applicants being penalized include donating or selling assets for less than the fair market price, homeownership, or property transfers, or giving away a substantial portion of your financial resources. However, exceptions include transfers to a spouse, child under 21, or disabled child.

The Medicaid program can impose penalties for violations. Penalties are calculated based on the total value of prohibited transfers divided by the average cost of nursing home care in NJ or PA.
One of the most significant advantages of hiring a Medicaid planning attorney is they can professionally assess your case and develop innovative legal strategies to help you protect assets and qualify for benefits.

What are the Legal Advantages of Hiring a Medicaid Planning Attorney?

Unexpected crises often require individuals to go to a nursing home or assisted living for care. One of the best ways to safeguard your assets and protect your rights is through elder care planning. Elder care planning differs from estate planning services in that it focuses on long-term strategies that protect assets while the individual is alive. Conversely, estate planning focuses on how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death.

A Medicaid planning attorney can help you understand complex federal rules and navigate the legalities of determining eligibility. Some of the other vital services a Medicaid planning attorney can provide include:

• Assistance with completing a Medicaid application
• Help to gather all necessary supporting documentation
• Assistance with financial planning that helps you meet eligibility criteria
• Create personalized asset protection strategies

One of the most critical issues a Medicaid planning attorney can address is helping protect a spouse and a portion of the couple’s assets by utilizing the Community Spouse Resources Allowance

Why is Your Law Firm the Best Choice to Help Me With Medicaid Planning?

One of the most challenging aspects for many older adults who need medical assistance is worrying about the cost and how they can protect their assets. If you are worried about the cost of health care or need immediate assistance, you need an attorney who will understand the legal complexities of Medicaid planning.

Bratton Law Group has extensive experience helping clients with financial planning and understanding Medicaid rules. When you seek help, we will professionally evaluate your case and implement financial planning strategies. Through proper planning, we can help you avoid penalties and protect your life savings.

Our dedicated team of legal professionals recognizes that worrying about Medicaid eligibility can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate without legal help. Our attorneys are committed to helping you reduce your stress through careful planning so you can protect your life savings and other financial resources.

Contact our Medicaid attorneys in NJ and PA today by calling (856) 644-4283 to schedule a consultation so we may answer your questions and address your concerns.