Baton Rouge Medicaid Planning Lawyer

Medicaid Planning Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge has some amazing medical facilities, like Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center. However, these facilities are irrelevant for those who cannot pay for their services. Some people might be able to qualify for assistance programs like Medicaid with the help of a Baton Rouge Medicaid planning lawyer.

Experienced Medicaid Planning Attorneys in Baton Rouge, LA

One of our core values at Shelby Law Firm is integrity. We are sincere in everything we do for our clients. The firm has been proudly woman-owned for over 22 years. The compassion and dedication we give to our clients are unmatched.

What Does Medicare Planning Entail?

People with assets might wonder why they might need to worry about Medicaid. However, there are a few important benefits, including:

• Keeping your possessions. The cost of future healthcare expenses can be steep, especially at highly regarded facilities like Always Best Care of Baton Rouge. If you plan on paying for all of these expenses out of pocket, you could leave very little left for potential heirs.
• Trusts. If you want to reduce your assets through trusts, it’s important to speak with an attorney first. Some trusts do not count as assets under Medicaid, but some do. If you put your assets in the wrong trust, you still might not qualify.
• Moving property ownership. In most cases, real estate does not count as an asset that is affected by Medicaid. However, some other forms of property might. Reviewing all of your assets with an attorney can help you figure out whether you need to transfer assets and how to do that.
• Gifts. Giving assets to someone else before a will goes into effect is a helpful way to spend down assets to qualify for Medicaid. It’s important to do this carefully so that the recipient does not have a significant tax obligation as a result of the gifts.
• Look-back period. Qualifying for Medicaid is not as simple as giving all of your assets away quickly. There’s normally a period of five years before the person applies that is reviewed. If the applicant transferred their assets for far less than what they’re worth in that time period, they might not qualify for Medicaid.

In Baton Rouge, the average cost for assisted living is around $4,800 a month. Nursing homes start at an average of $7,604. It’s important to consider Medicaid options to allow your assets to pass on to your loved ones.

What Does Medicaid Cover?

Medicaid used to only cover nursing homes, but the coverage has since expanded to other forms of care. Some people think they aren’t able to get the care that they want on Medicaid, but they might have more control than they think.

For some people, it might be easier to qualify for assisted living or in-home care if they have fewer medical needs. Medicaid requires people to prove that they need assistance in order to qualify for care.

While some people might qualify for nursing home assistance, others might be able to function more independently, which could still provide them with in-home care.

Why Hire a Baton Rouge Medicaid Planning Lawyer?

Many people are worried about whether they will qualify for Medicaid assistance to cover retirement costs. Instead of trying to do it yourself, you have a greater chance of succeeding by speaking with a Baton Rouge Medicaid planning attorney first.

When you hire a Medicaid planning lawyer, you partner with a professional who is well-versed in both federal Medicaid law and Louisiana Medicaid law. Every state operates its programs differently, so something that might work in one state might not work in another.

A surprising number of Medicaid applications are denied the first time. However, you do have options to appeal. An attorney can help you figure out why the state denied your application and how to get it approved.

Every person considering Medicaid has a different financial situation. Reviewing the details with an attorney can help make sure that your finances are organized in a way that is most beneficial for you and your family.

Why Choose Us?

Many of our clients at Shelby Law Firm are surprised at the level of passion we have for the work we do. We know that our clients are often dealing with very important decisions when they visit us. Our team recognizes that and works as hard as we can to help our clients.

FAQs

What Does a Baton Rouge Medicaid Planning Attorney Do?

A Medicaid planning attorney in Baton Rouge helps people consolidate their assets in a way that meets Medicaid requirements. This can prevent people from losing their retirement funds and assets if they need to find a nursing home or assisted living facility. Receiving Medicaid can be tricky without legal help due to all the specific requirements.

When Should I Speak to a Medicaid Planning Attorney in Baton Rouge?

You should speak to a Medicaid planning attorney in Baton Rouge as soon as possible. The more time an attorney has to develop a plan for your situation, the more effective it can be. It takes time to gather all relevant financial information and analyze it to make a helpful plan for your retirement needs.

What Information Does a Medicaid Planning Attorney Need?

The information a Medicaid planning attorney needs includes documents that prove your identity. This might include an ID, a passport, or a Social Security card. Reviewing your income and assets is necessary, too. This can be done with tax returns and property information for any assets you have. Consult with a Medicaid planning lawyer for more information.

What Are the Financial Requirements for Medicaid in Baton Rouge?

The financial requirements for Medicaid in Baton Rouge are similar to the requirements for Supplemental Security Income. There are many ways you can qualify, including having a disability that is approved by the Social Security Administration. The official income level set by Louisiana that you must fall under is 138% of the poverty level.

A Vital Source for Louisianans

Currently, 1,856,000 people in Louisiana rely on Medicaid for medical coverage. You could also qualify with the help of a Medicaid attorney. Schedule a consultation with the Shelby Law Firm to find out about how you can protect your assets with the help of Medicaid.

Meet Our Baton Rouge Long-Term Care Planning Attorney