Navigating nursing home costs is not something that anyone looks forward to. But due to circumstances, you might be facing the reality that a loved one needs more care than you can provide them. Along with the emotions of this transition, there is the financial panic. Sometimes, nursing home bills in Wisconsin can climb past $9,000 a month. This is an overwhelming time, and it is easy to feel you are running out of options.
But a Wisconsin elder law attorney can step in and help. They can provide guidance for nursing home Medicaid cases so that you can find the right options for you and your family.
Is There a Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid Coverage?
Many families assume Medicare will cover long-term nursing home costs. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Medicare pays for short-term rehab after a hospital stay. However, when that ends, the bill comes straight to you.
On the other hand, Medicaid can cover ongoing nursing home care. But there is a catch: you have to qualify, and Wisconsin’s income and asset rules are strict.
Unfortunately, the application process is not the most user-friendly. A mistake, like forgetting to report an account or making the wrong type of transfer, can delay approval or trigger months of ineligibility.
For that reason, you will want to have an elder law attorney in your corner. They do more than fill out forms. They can guide families through the maze and make sure loved ones get the care they need without losing everything in the process.
How Do You Qualify for Medicaid?
As mentioned, there are strict qualifications for Medicaid. Along with that, there could be potential pitfalls that you might not know about. Right now, eligibility requirements include:
- For individuals: Most applicants must have less than $2,000 in countable assets.
- For married couples: The spouse living at home can keep a portion of the couple’s income and assets, so they are not left destitute.
There is also the look-back rule. With that, Wisconsin reviews the last five years of financial history. If money was given away or transferred improperly, Medicaid can impose a penalty period where it will not cover care.
This is where the guidance of an elder law attorney is worth its weight in gold.
How an Elder Law Attorney Helps
Since the process can be very tricky, getting legal help can be to your advantage. Whether you need medical care or need coverage for a loved one, they are there to assist. Here are a few benefits of working with an elder law attorney:
Protecting the Spouse at Home
No one wants to see a husband or wife lose their financial security because their partner needs nursing care. Attorneys know the strategies that keep the “community spouse” comfortable while meeting Medicaid rules.
Making the Application Less Overwhelming
Medicaid applications are long and invasive. You must show bank statements, insurance policies, property records, and other documentation. These lawyers know what caseworkers are looking for and how to package the information, so the process goes easier.
Planning Ahead
Even if nursing home care is not needed right away, families can still plan ahead. An attorney can help set up trusts, shift ownership of assets, or learn what to avoid. Early planning means more options and less stress later.
Crisis Planning
Of course, sometimes life throws curveballs like a sudden stroke or fall. Even if a loved one is already in a nursing home, an elder law attorney can step in to help. With annuities, spend-down strategies, or exemptions, they can often preserve a large portion of the family’s resources while securing Medicaid eligibility.
Fighting for You if Things Go Wrong
If an application is denied, attorneys know how to appeal. They speak the language of Medicaid regulations and can push back when something does not add up.
We Can Assist with Your Elder Law Needs
If you’re staring down the possibility of nursing home care for a parent, spouse, or other loved one, you need an elder care lawyer on your side.
At Collins Law Offices, we are ready to help. Whether you are planning ahead or already facing a crisis, we can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options.