Sunday, January 24, 2010

Free Seminar Feb 21st - Medicaid, Nursing Homes & You

How do I pay for a nursing home? Do I qualify for Medicaid? Can planning ahead save me money? Shepherd Elder Law Group is holding a free seminar February 21st.

The recent downturn in the nation's economy has created a crisis for state Medicaid programs. Do you know the rules? Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides payment for medical care for persons unable to afford to pay. Medicaid covers physicians' services, hospital care, supplies and other necessary services once a person has been made eligible for the program. It also pays for the expenses of long–term care in a nursing home.

The Medicaid program is administered independently in each state. While the
basic eligibility standards are the same throughout the United States, there are
significant differences between the state Medicaid programs. Despite these
differences, eligibility is generally based upon the amount of assets a person has along with the income that the person receives. Eligibility is determined at state Medicaid offices and, in the case of married individuals, the assets and income of both spouses are considered in the determination process.

Medicaid is often of importance to middle-income Americans because Medicare does not cover the costs of longterm care for illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease or paralysis caused by a stroke. Most people who need such care for extended periods will eventually deplete their assets and become unable to pay the costs of their care.

Shepherd Elder Law Group is dedicated to providing solutions for the elderly, the disabled and their families. No matter what your situation, we listen to the needs of our clients and provide information, advice and most importantly, support.