Medicaid Eligibility Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
There are three main mistakes people often make regarding Medicaid, including planning for Medicaid eligibility and the Medicaid application process. Many times, avoiding these simple mistakes can help you save a lot of money.
The Three Biggest Mistakes in Alzheimer’s Care
Mistake #1 – Allowing a Nursing Home Employee or a Non-Lawyer Medicaid Application Company to Complete Your Medicaid Application and Give You Legal Advice
Many families make the mistake of assuming people who work with Medicaid patients at the nursing home or assisted living are trained to counsel and complete applications properly. This misconception results in families losing money or being denied Medicaid eligibility. You need a trained, qualified guide with experience in Medicaid eligibility to ensure you qualify. Don’t fall victim to eligibility promises or advice by rushing to the state Medicaid office and quickly filling out a form. The state knows it can lock you in if you file prematurely. See me before filling out any Medicaid form(s). I can advise you when the best time exists to qualify for Medicaid while protecting your hard-earned finances. Don’t let phony Medicaid advisors who work for the nursing home take advantage of your lack of knowledge by having you fill out forms you know nothing about.
Mistake #2 – Listening to Advice from Unqualified Individuals and Medicaid Application Companies Recommended by the Nursing Home or Assisted Living Residence
Medicaid seems to be one of those subjects that many quasi-professionals claim to know something about. You may have heard (along the lines of), “Don’t even bother applying for Medicaid now, because they will look back on your finances five years from now and you definitely won’t qualify.” While Medicaid does have a five-year look-back period, this doesn’t necessarily preclude you from applying and qualifying. Don’t automatically assume there is nothing you can do to help your loved one or close family member pay for the long-term care they need.
Always inquire as to the qualifications of the person advising you on Medicaid. Too many times, I have heard from clients who received unqualified assistance from someone when filling out their forms, only to find out later that their advisor had no Medicaid experience or worked for the nursing home. At Hanlon Niemann & Wright, our Elder Law Attorneys and paralegal staff have decades of experience with Medicaid rules and represent clients every day in Medicaid applications. We represent only you, not the facility.
You’re right to be skeptical that everyone giving you inaccurate advice is out to scam you. Most of the time (not always), those people do not have your best interests at heart, especially some staff members at the nursing home and even Medicaid employees themselves. Unfortunately, bad intentions translate into bad advice. The best possible resource is a qualified elder law Medicaid attorney who has knowledge and experience in both New Jersey and Federal Medicaid rules.
Applying the law to your specific medical and financial situation, we can collaborate to identify your best options and opportunities. This is what we do at Hanlon Niemann & Wright. We deal with clients every day who hire us to assist them in their Elder Care matters. Allow us to deal with the County Board of Social Services and the State of NJ, so you don’t have to. While we can’t promise you an automatic approval, we can show you how our legal services may save you money. If we can’t, we will tell you that as well. We are here to guide you in the right direction.
Mistake #3 – Attempting to Deal with Medicaid Yourself
Dealing with the State and its county boards of social services is intimidating and frightening. This can place a significant burden on everyone’s shoulders. Let us lighten the load. You already have enough to deal with caring for your loved one. We will deal with Medicaid supervisors and their caseworkers and discuss your situation, so you don’t have to. Since we are aware of the rules and regulations, we can advocate for your rights. If we give you advice on saving money and/or protecting your finances, we highlight it in our discussions with Medicaid caseworkers.
Medicaid rules are extremely complicated. Very few professionals actually know the rules pertaining to Medicaid Eligibility. Just as a tax expert knows the ins and outs of the tax code and how to keep your taxes as low as possible, the same applies to Medicaid. At Hanlon Niemann & Wright, our Medicaid and Elder Care professionals focus on elder care, Medicaid, estate planning, and disability law. We are aware of the regulations and laws that help our clients save money and strive to protect them from going broke and/or spending more than necessary for care, both prior to and during the Medicaid application process. We can help you navigate the Medicaid maze while protecting your finances and assets.
Fredrick P. Niemann Esq.
Don’t make a crucial mistake that can cost you money. I understand this is a difficult period in your life. Allow me to take some of the burden off your shoulders.
Please contact me, Fredrick P. Niemann, at (732) 863-9900 or email me at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com.
I am very approachable, caring, easy to talk to, and have experience in Medicaid matters. Please allow me the opportunity to assist you. I welcome all your inquiries.
Written by Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. of Hanlon Niemann & Wright, A New Jersey Alzheimer’s and Dementia Attorney