Elder Law : Medicaid Planning

The goal of Medicaid Planning is usually to provide for an older person’s need for affordable long-term health or nursing home care.  You likely have already or shall spend a substantial portion of your lifetime working hard for your money.  Perhaps you now own real estate or have set aside an account with substantial funds for retirement.  Or, maybe you have set up trusts for your grandchildren and want to make sure those savings will not be depleted by your own needs for care.  If you have responsibly put away savings for your retirement, the last thing you want is to have the assets you built over decades be quickly depleted to pay for expensive nursing home or long-term health care. 

Through the government program Medicaid, you may be able to access government funds to put toward these long-term care costs.  Medicaid planning can be an option for individuals who meet certain state and federal qualifications.  Applying for Medicaid is a complicated and tedious process.  Medicaid rules are confusing and contain many exceptions.  Because Medicaid is a state and federal government-run program, different laws apply depending on the state you live in.  Qualification laws also tend to change so it is important that you consult a local and experienced Medicaid planning attorney for advice if you think you may be eligible for Medicaid. 

Rooth Law Group elder law attorneys have years of experience helping individuals maximize their Medicaid benefits while preserving the assets their clients worked so hard to attain. 
• Are you wondering if you are eligible for Medicaid? 
• Are you concerned that a substantial gift you made to a family member precludes you from receiving any government support toward your long-term care needs? 
• Do you want to know if you are too wealthy to qualify for Medicaid? 

Every person’s situation is different.  At Rooth Law Group, we can help you answer these questions and more.  We will evaluate your unique circumstances and educate you on the options that are available to you.  Do not hesitate to contact Rooth Law Group for a consultation today. 

Blog for Elder Law

  • Study Shows Older is Really WiserDescription: If you have concerns about meeting the legal needs of your elderly parents, do not hesitate to contact Rooth Law Group today for a consultation, 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • Advanced Directive Awareness Necessary as Ever, 5 Years After Schiavo DeathDescription: Americans today are no closer to making end-of-life plans, five years after Terri Schiavo’s death following a lengthy legal battle over her “right to die.” The majority of Americans do not have the legal documents specifying how far to allow caregivers to go in keeping them alive artificially. If you need an attorney to help you in drafting a living will or advanced directive, please contact Rooth Law Group today: 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • Helping Family in Tough Economic TimesDescription: In planning for the future, we often want to help our heirs but the current recession has interfered with those plans for many elderly people today. Despite good intentions and responsible financial decisions over the years, many people have found themselves in an unexpectedly vulnerable economic circumstance where they are barely able to provide for their own futures, let alone the future of others. If you would like to discuss and plan for the future of your estate, contact Rooth Law Group at 727-797-9600 for a consultation today.

Library for Medicaid Planning:

  • Changes to Medicaid Law under the Deficit Reduction Act
    Description: Do you think you may qualify for Medicaid or need help preparing your Medicaid application?
    Contact Rooth Law Group today for a free consultation: 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • The Medicaid Application Process
    Description: If you are interested in applying for Medicaid, it will help to have experienced legal counsel on your side to guide you through this complicated process. Call the Rooth Law Group today for a consultation: 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.

Frequent Questions for Medicaid Planning:

  • How will my Medicaid application/benefit affect my social security benefits?
  • What is the Deficit Reduction Act?
  • What are Medicare and Medicaid? Is there any difference?

Web Resources for Elder Law:

  • National Center on Elder AbuseDescription: A resource for those who need to find out what to do to get help when elder abuse is suspected. 
  • Academy of Florida Elder Law AttorneysDescription: Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys is an organization of lawyers in the private and public sectors who work with legal issues affecting elderly and disabled clients.
  • AARPDescription: The AARP’s official site.
  • Elder Law AnswersDescription: Informational site on a variety of issues affecting the elderly.

The Rooth Law Group represents clients throughout West Central Florida, including:
Pinellas County: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport, Largo, Pinellas Park, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Madeira Beach, Seminole, Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Holiday, Spring Hill, Hudson, Zephyrhills, Dunedin, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Beach, Palm Harbor, Treasure Island, Indian Shores, Tierra Verde, Bay Pines, Belleair Shore, South Pasadena, Crystal Beach, Pasadena.

Hillsborough County: Tampa, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Carrollwood, Dover, Gibsonton, Lithia, Lutz, Northdale, Palma Ceia, Pebble Creek, Plant City, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Sulphur Springs, Sun City, Temple Terrace, Thonotosassa, Town n’ County, Valrico, West Chase, Wimauma, Ybor City.

Pasco County: New Port Richey, Dade City, Gulf Harbors, Hudson, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Port Richey, Saint Leo, Shady Hills, Trinity, Wesley Chapel.

Manatee County: Bradenton, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Ellenton, Longbeach, Longboat Key, Manatee, Palmetto, Parrish, South Bradenton, West Bradenton, Whitfield, Whitney Beach.