People need health care support for various reasons, and in New York in particular, they may be able to access government benefits to pay for this expensive support.  Many individuals are unaware that they may be eligible for Medicaid benefits, including long-term care services provided in their homes.

Medicaid Home Care is part of Community Medicaid services, and is for eligible people who need assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (“ADLs”) but who otherwise can remain safely in their own homes.  ADLs include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, and “transferring” (moving from one place to another such as from your bed to a chair).  Medicaid is also health insurance for eligible people if they don’t have Medicare.

Advance planning for Community Medicaid programs such as Home Care is particularly important now, as Medicaid’s eligibility rules are changing.  There will be a new “look back” and other new requirements as well.  These new rules will make achieving eligibility more challenging, and planning more complicated.

The timing of the implementation of the rules is uncertain due to the Federal Public Health Emergency.  No matter the timing, it is still the case that usually the best strategy for protecting your assets and accessing Medicaid is to create and fund a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust.  Call our firm with your questions, and to learn the latest status.

Medicaid programs, including Medicaid Home Care services, are complex.  Working with experienced Medicare and Medicaid planning attorneys can help you understand various programs and their qualification requirements, so you can plan proactively to protect your assets and income to the extent allowed by current laws.  The legal professionals at Lamson & Cutner help clients with a variety of Elder Law matters, including Medicaid and in-home care, long-term care planning, estate planning, and more.

Medicaid financial requirements for eligibility take into account various factors such as your age, marital status, any assets you hold singly or with others, and sometimes your income.  Click here to learn more about the rules that apply to your specific situation.

With offices in New York City and Westchester County, the knowledgeable, skilled Elder Law professionals at Lamson & Cutner are prepared to assist you with Medicare and Medicaid planning — including Medicaid Home Care benefits in NYC, Westchester, & the NY metro area.  To learn more and to schedule an initial consultation, contact us today.