New Trend in Medical Care – Geriatric ER?
As I have written often, we will see many changes in the types of services and the ways they will be offered as the population continues to age, with 77 million baby boomers approaching senior status. One interesting change, in which New Jersey is in the forefront, is the appearance
Medicaid’s Spend Down – Don’t Get Caught Short (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Jeff’s difficulties spending down his mom’s remaining assets, not getting caught with too much at the end of the month to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to cover the private pay rate. So how does one avoid this Medicaid “trap”? As we approached the final
Medicaid’s Spend Down – Don’t Get Caught Short
We had been working with Jeff to prepare for an eventual Medicaid application to be filed on his mother’s behalf. Much of that work involved reviewing the 5 years of records, Medicaid’s look back period. But we also needed to coordinate the spend down as we were nearing the target
Long Term Care Planning – Should I Wait and See? Part 2
Kelly had originally called us 7 years ago. Her dad had recently fallen in his home and Kelly recognized the need for someone to come into his home to help him. At that time she felt that only a few hours a day was all that was necessary and once
Long Term Care Planning – Should I Wait and See?
I consistently emphasize that we can achieve the most favorable results for our clients with the benefit of time, meaning we want to work with clients as far as possible before they reach crisis mode. I know, however, that there is a general resistance to taking action. Long term care
What Happens When the Healthy Spouse Dies Before the Medicaid Spouse? Part 2
Last week we were discussing Judy’s problem with Medicaid. Her dad, Joe, was about to lose his Medicaid status unless he complied with New Jersey’s elective share law, something Judy had never heard of. I explained to Judy that many states have such a law. It is designed to protect an unsuspecting
What Happens When the Healthy Spouse Dies Before the Medicaid Spouse? ( Part 1)
Joe and Mary had been married for 20 years, a second marriage for both. They each had children from a previous marriage. As they both aged and needed more care their respective children stepped in. When Joe eventually needed nursing home care his daughter, Judy, handled his finances while Mary’s
Medicare Settlement – How will it change things?
Last week I was discussing the recent settlement in the case of Jimmo v. Sebelius that will have a huge impact on Medicare recipients who need rehabilitative services at home or in a skilled nursing facility. We’ll have to wait and see how this affects care in the long term
Medicare Settlement May Affect Many
Mom has dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis or is in a general declining state of health due to advanced age. She has an acute condition or injury that requires her entry to the hospital and then to a sub acute facility for rehabilitation. Up to 100 days of rehabilitative services