A Missouri elder law lawyer handles any legal issues that have to do with the rapidly growing aging population.
Thousands of Americans reach the age of 65 every day, and the number of seniors seeking elder law has never been greater.
Whether you seek guidance for yourself or a loved one, elder law attorneys have a wide range of expertise and services that you will eventually require, no matter your age. Actions you take in one part of your life may have unintended legal consequences in others. The help of an elder law attorney can put you in a better position to cope with legal issues affecting people as they age involving:
- Estates
- Guardianships
- Asset protection
- Government benefits
- Long-term care
- Disabilities/special needs
- And more
Our Missouri elder law attorney takes you through the legal process step by step and creates an estate plan tailored to your unique situation.
We prepare wills, durable powers of attorney, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and living wills, along with advance directives that give your family instructions regarding your wishes and desires. We will work in conjunction with your financial advisors, tax accountants, and other professionals to prepare the legal documents required to protect your assets and your family in the event you need nursing home care.
The Need for Long-Term Care Planning
Do you need assistance with the high cost of health care, qualifying for government health care programs, or protecting your home and assets for you or your loved ones?
If you said yes to these questions, we can provide you with a better understanding of long-term care planning.
The high cost of a nursing home or assisted living facility can cause many individuals and families to deplete all of their resources rapidly. It is critically important to have a Missouri elder law attorney to help plan for and address covering the costs of long-term care, whether you’re concerned about yourself or planning for elderly parents. We help you understand how health care expenses will affect the savings and assets you plan to pass down to your family members and how planning ahead can help.
How Can You Pay for Long-Term Care?
Understanding how to pay for long-term care can be overwhelming. Depending on an individual’s need for care, there are some options to consider for paying for long-term care services, including:
- Medicare coverage
- Long-term care Insurance
- Medicaid coverage
Each option has its eligibility requirements and drawbacks depending on what type of services an individual needs.
The first thing to know is that Medicare will only pay for medically necessary acute care services and limited long-term care services that meet specific criteria. Most long-term care services are not covered by Medicare, such as nursing home expenses, assisted living, or custodial care in the home.
Long-term care insurance will help cover some or all of the expenses associated with nursing home care. But you’ll have to pay for the insurance policy for many years, and premiums can be high depending on your age and health. There may be other options, such as applying for Medicaid, to help avoid that expense.
Medicaid Planning
Medicaid, known as MO HealthNet in Missouri, is a combined federal and state program and is one option to help pay for long-term care. Eligibility requirements vary by state. To qualify for Medicaid, your countable assets and monthly income must fall below a minimum standard. Proper Medicaid planning can help an individual qualify, provide for a spouse, and preserve assets for beneficiaries. Each state has its own Medicaid requirements, and our St. Louis elder law lawyer works with you and your family to determine the best strategy to qualify in Missouri. Reach out to us with your questions regarding long-term care expenses, Medicaid for aging parents, or persons with disabilities. Planning for peace of mind – that’s what we do.