Elder Law & Nursing Home Planning

The high cost of long-term care has made planning a critically important issue for most middle class seniors and their families.  In fact, most seniors will likely require some form of long-term care. Sadly, many of them are unprepared for the significant financial burdens it places on their family’s hard earned savings.  Financial devastation looms large for a family facing ongoing care at a rate of $10,000 or more per month in a skilled nursing facility.

Long-Term Care Options

While some seniors are able to afford private pay care, the cost of long-term care will wipe out savings of all but the wealthiest families in a matter of years.  Those who have planned ahead by purchasing long-term care insurance have a degree of certainty and peace of mind, knowing that they have a lesser need to rely on other sources in the future.  Unfortunately, many can’t afford the high cost of long term care insurance or worse, because of age of medical condition cannot qualify for long term care insurance altogether.  If you do have long-term care insurance, you should be aware of what your policy covers.  Many policies have high deductibles or provide for only a short period of care in facility.  In fact, many who have long-term care insurance still have to resort to Medicaid to pay for their care.

Medicaid Eligibility

The other option to pay for care is Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania.  A joint federal-state program, Medicaid provides medical assistance to individuals, including those who are 65 or older, disabled or blind.  Medicaid is the single largest payer of nursing home bills in America and serves as the option of last resort for people who have no other way to finance their long-term care.  Although Medicaid eligibility rules vary from state to state, federal minimum standards and guidelines must be observed.

The Law Office of Shawn Pierson has the experience and the expertise to help avoid the financial ruin associated with the high cost of long-term care.  Contact us today to start the process of understanding the issues surrounding Medicaid eligibility and to implement the planning and application process.

Visit the FAQ pages on Elder Law or visit our Resources page for more information on Medicaid, Medicare, and Elder Law in general.  As always, if you have any questions, give us a call at (717) 560-4966.

Voted #1 for Estate Planning Attorney & Elder Law Attorney by LNP Media Group Readers' Choice Award 2018, 2020, 2021 & 2022.