Resource Hub

Life Care Management

• Q: My father is in the hospital, and the case manager suggests permanent nursing home placement. How can we ensure this is the right decision, and what are the alternatives?

  A: Each situation should be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Hospital staff may be under pressure to arrange expedient discharges, leading to premature long-term care placements. We work with families to explore all options, considering factors like safety, finances, and family dynamics.

Medicaid

• Q: What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

  A: Medicare is federal health insurance for people over 65 and certain disabled individuals under 65, covering hospital and medical services. Medicaid is a federally mandated program providing long-term care and health insurance benefits for low-income individuals and families, administered by each state. In Massachusetts, it's called "MassHealth."

• Q: I thought Medicare pays for everything. Does it?

  A: No. Medicare offers excellent coverage but includes deductibles and co-payments. It's essential to understand these limitations when planning for healthcare needs.

• Q: What is the "five-year look-back" period in Medicaid?

  A: The "look-back" period refers to the 60 months preceding a Medicaid application, during which asset transfers are reviewed. Certain transfers can affect eligibility, so it's crucial to plan accordingly.

• Q: When should I apply for Medicaid?

  A: It's never too early to start planning; but when to submit the application is a different story.  Eligibility rules vary by state and are often complex. You may receive misinformation from friends, the internet, nursing homes, even MassHealth.  In Massachusetts, an individual is eligible when total countable assets are $2,000 or less but you do not want to wait until you are at the $2,000 limit to contact ParentCareUSA.

Elder Law

• Q: My parent is entering a nursing home. Do we need to spend all their assets to pay for care?

  A: No. Various planning strategies can help preserve assets even when nursing home placement is imminent. Each situation requires careful assessment to determine the best approach. It's essential to consult with an elder law attorney to navigate these rules.

• Q: Can assets be transferred while my mother is in a nursing home?

  A: Yes and no. Certain transfers within the five-year "look-back" period may trigger ineligibility, while others may not. It's essential to consult with an elder law attorney to navigate these rules.

• Q: What is a Guardianship, and when is one needed?

  A: Guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints an individual to make health care decisions for someone unable to do so due to incapacity. It is necessary when a person cannot make health care decisions and has not designated a Health Care Agent under a Health Care Proxy.  It is essential to consult with an elder law attorney to navigate these rules.

• Q: What is a Conservatorship, and when is one needed?

  A: Conservatorship is a legal process where a court appoints an individual to make financial decisions for someone unable to do so due to incapacity. It is necessary when a person cannot make financial decisions and has not designated an attorney-in-fact under a Durable Power of Attorney. It is essential to consult with an elder law attorney to navigate these rules.

• Q: What's the difference between a Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy?

  A: A Power of Attorney allows someone to act on your behalf in financial matters but may expire upon your incapacity. A Durable Power of Attorney remains effective even if you become incapacitated. A Health Care Proxy authorizes someone to make health care decisions for you if you're unable to do so. It is essential to consult with an elder law attorney to navigate these rules.