Accessing the Care You Need, Protecting What Matters
Florida’s Medicaid program offers valuable benefits for seniors and individuals with disabilities, covering care options that range from home care to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. At The Law Office of Audrey Ehrhardt, we’re here to help you access these benefits while preserving your assets through strategic Medicaid planning. Many people are surprised to learn that, with the right guidance, qualifying for Medicaid is achievable – and doesn’t require exhausting everything you’ve worked to save. We’re also committed to ensuring that your spouse is not left financially vulnerable in the process.
Understanding Florida Medicaid Eligibility
Qualifying for Medicaid involves more than just income and asset limits; it also includes assessing your health needs. In Florida, Medicaid can cover a range of care options, including:
Home Care.
For those who prefer to stay in their homes, Medicaid can help cover the costs of in-home assistance with daily activities, allowing you to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Assisted Living Care.
Medicaid can provide support for assisted living facilities, where individuals receive help with daily activities while maintaining a level of independence.
Skilled Nursing Care.
For those needing 24-hour medical supervision and comprehensive support, Medicaid can help cover skilled nursing home care costs, ensuring that you receive the level of care required.
Protecting Your Assets - and Your Spouse’s Financial Security
One of the biggest concerns for Medicaid applicants is how to protect assets without leaving a spouse impoverished. Fortunately, Florida has specific Medicaid planning strategies that allow you to preserve exempt or “non-countable” assets – resources that don’t impact your eligibility. These exempt assets may include items such as a primary residence, certain retirement accounts, vehicles, and personal belongings. Our planning strategies can also protect the financial resources needed to support a spouse who remains at home, ensuring they aren’t left in a difficult financial situation.
Medicaid planning in Florida involves careful structuring of these assets, as well as potential transfers, trusts, and other options designed to meet the program’s requirements without sacrificing your family’s financial security. With the right team in place, it’s possible to access Medicaid benefits while protecting what matters most for both you and your spouse.
Medicaid Planning: Protect Your Assets While Securing the Care You Need
Medicaid can be a vital resource for covering the high costs of long-term care, from nursing home care to in-home assistance. However, qualifying for Medicaid in Florida can be complex, and without the right planning, you may have to spend down your assets to meet eligibility requirements – putting your financial security and legacy at risk. At The Law Office of Audrey Ehrhardt, we specialize in Florida Medicaid planning to help you secure the care you need while protecting your assets. With the right guidance, it’s possible to qualify for Medicaid without depleting everything you’ve worked to save.
Florida Medicaid Planning: A Customized Approach
With over 20 years of experience, we understand the intricacies of Florida’s Medicaid system and provide strategies tailored to your unique situation. Our goal is to help you access Medicaid benefits while safeguarding your financial well-being, allowing you to receive the necessary care without leaving a healthy spouse financially vulnerable.
Our Florida Medicaid Planning Services Include
Medicaid Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate your current financial situation to determine your Medicaid eligibility. Our team will identify any potential issues and develop strategies to help you qualify without unnecessary spending down of assets.
Asset Protection Strategies
Protecting your assets while qualifying for Medicaid is crucial. We offer a range of asset protection strategies, including trusts, asset transfers, and other tools to help preserve your wealth for your loved ones and secure your family’s financial future.
Income Trusts (Miller Trusts).
If your income exceeds Medicaid’s eligibility limits, a Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust) can help you meet the requirements while retaining control over how your income is used. We’ll assist in setting up and managing the trust to ensure compliance.
Medicaid Application Assistance
The Medicaid application process can be time-consuming and daunting. We handle all aspects of the application, from gathering necessary documents to submitting the application and addressing any challenges that arise.
Long-Term Care Planning
Planning for long-term care is essential in Medicaid planning. We help you explore your options, whether for home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing facilities, to develop a plan that aligns with your financial and personal goals.
Crisis Medicaid Planning
If you or a loved one requires immediate long-term care, we offer crisis Medicaid planning services. Even if planning is needed on short notice, we’ll help you qualify for benefits quickly while minimizing financial loss.
Proactive Planning for Medicaid
Medicaid planning isn’t just for those in their senior years. Starting early—whether in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—can help you protect your assets, preserve your legacy, and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Early planning offers flexibility and safeguards for the future.
Spousal Protection
For married couples, Medicaid planning can prevent spousal impoverishment, where the healthy spouse is left financially vulnerable. We offer strategies to protect the financial security of the community spouse, allowing them to maintain their standard of living while their spouse receives necessary care.
Medicaid Appeals and Fair Hearings
If your Medicaid application is denied or you face other Medicaid-related issues, we represent you in appeals and fair hearings to help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicaid planning, and why is it important?
Medicaid planning involves structuring your finances and assets to qualify for Medicaid benefits while preserving your wealth. This planning is crucial to avoid spending down your assets unnecessarily, allowing you to secure the care you need without risking your financial legacy or the well-being of a spouse.
What types of care does Florida Medicaid cover?
Florida Medicaid can cover a variety of care options, including home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. This flexibility ensures that you receive the level of support that best suits your health and lifestyle needs.
What are exempt or non-countable assets in Medicaid planning?
Exempt or non-countable assets, such as a primary residence, one vehicle, and certain retirement accounts, are not counted toward Medicaid’s asset limit. These assets are essential in Medicaid planning, as they can be preserved without affecting eligibility.
What is a Miller Trust, and do I need one?
A Miller Trust, or Qualified Income Trust, helps individuals whose income exceeds Medicaid’s limits qualify for benefits by placing excess income in the trust. We can assist in setting up a Miller Trust if it’s necessary for your situation
Can I transfer assets to qualify for Medicaid?
Transferring assets to meet Medicaid’s requirements must be done with caution due to the five-year “look-back” period. We’ll help structure any transfers appropriately to avoid penalties and ensure eligibility.
How can Medicaid planning prevent spousal impoverishment?
Medicaid’s spousal impoverishment rules are designed to protect the community spouse’s financial well-being. Strategies like increasing the community spouse resource allowance (CSRA) and using other asset protection methods can help ensure the healthy spouse has sufficient resources.
What if my Medicaid application is denied?
If your Medicaid application is denied, you have the right to appeal. We can represent you in the appeals process and fair hearings, helping you secure the benefits you deserve.
How soon should I start Medicaid planning?
The earlier you start Medicaid planning, the more options you have to protect your assets. Ideally, planning should begin at least five years before you anticipate needing care, but there are strategies we can use even in immediate care situations.
Protecting Your Future with Expert Medicaid Planning
Navigating the Medicaid system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a free initial consultation with The Law Office of Audrey Ehrhardt today to discuss your Medicaid planning needs. With careful planning, you can protect your assets, secure essential care, and ensure your financial legacy remains intact.