Bethlehem, PA Medicaid Planning Lawyer

When people put money away for retirement, they’re usually thinking about living expenses and a travel budget. One thing many people overlook is one of the most considerable potential expenses someone can incur: the cost of long-term care. Senior citizens are living longer than ever these days, which means more are entering assisted living facilities and nursing homes. With the cost of long-term care in Pennsylvania being as high as it is, most people seek financial assistance through Medicaid. 

However, qualifying for Medicaid benefits is not always as easy as one might imagine, and the process can be confusing and time-consuming. Our Bethlehem Medicaid planning lawyer can simplify the process and help you find ways to get the best health care available without breaking the bank! 

Call today to book your free consultation and learn how Daly Law Offices can give you peace of mind for the future.

Why Is Medicaid Planning Important?

When it comes to long-term care costs and coverage, seniors and their families don’t always understand the level of complexity and nuance involved. Medicaid planning is crucial for seniors to live out their remaining years in comfort and safety. The average person may not know that…

• The average cost of a private or semi-private room in a Pennsylvania nursing home is $10,000 a year.
• According to the latest estimates, roughly 20% of 65-year-olds today will need long-term care support for longer than five years; most of today’s 65-year-olds have a 70% chance of needing long-term care support in their remaining lifetime.
• Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care costs, nor do most private health insurance plans.

Simply put, if you are 65 years of age or older, the possibility of needing long-term care in the future is very real, but like many seniors in Bethlehem, you may find it unaffordable. The problem is that most seniors don’t discover this until it’s too late to rectify it. Without the help of a Bethlehem Medicaid planning lawyer, the nursing home can swallow your entire life savings and the inheritance you were planning to leave your children and grandchildren or create financial troubles for your family. 

Medicaid, a federal government health assistance program, can help you pay for a significant portion of long-term care costs, but eligibility requirements are strict. Medicaid applicants must have an income/resource/wealth level that doesn’t exceed the eligible asset limits. If you have more than these limits permit, you may have to liquidate assets and cover nursing home costs independently until you meet the asset limits. Many seniors find themselves in a catch-22 of having too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough money to afford the nursing home. They’re left having to either lose their life savings, become a burden on their families, or go without the care they need. 

If you’re thinking of giving all your money to your children to solve this problem and be able to qualify for aid, think again. Medicaid has a look-back period of five years from the date you apply, where it considers all donations, gifts, and transfers to count towards your eligibility requirements, and you will still need funds for items that Medicaid doesn’t cover. 

Medicaid planning allows you to transfer ownership of assets out of your name before the five-year look-back period begins. This strategy enables you to control your wealth, so you can qualify for Medicaid and still leave something behind for your loved ones.

What Can Our Bethlehem Medicaid Planning Law Firm Do for You?

A knowledgeable attorney can make Medicaid planning simpler, less stressful, and more efficient. The Medicaid application process is complex and often confusing. In addition, missteps along the way could compromise your eligibility or waste valuable time. The guidance of an attorney familiar with Medicaid, asset protection, and similar areas of law is invaluable. Attorney Joshua N. Daly is a Bethlehem Medicaid planning lawyer who can walk you through the process with care and attention to detail!

Why Choose Daly Law Offices

Attorney Joshua N. Daly has 14 years of experience leading Pennsylvania seniors and their families through the Medicaid planning process. As a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association- Elder Law Section and the Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys, he is a dedicated servant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and well suited to advise on nursing home finance issues, Medicaid planning, and estate administration.

When you work with our Bethlehem Medicaid planning lawyer at Daly Law Offices, you will receive the highest level of dedicated attention and quality service. If you or a loved one need assistance with Medicaid planning in Pennsylvania, we can help. Call today to book your free consultation.