Putting everything together to apply for Medicaid and finding living options for yourself or a loved one can be difficult and overwhelming, but a recent webinar with two experts offers great information on the process and how to get started.
Schneps Media, the parent company of the Long Island Press, recently held a webinar called “How to Qualify for Medicaid: Home Care & Institutional Benefits,” which explained important information about Medicaid and senior living options. The webinar featured expert guests Melissa Negrin-Wiener, partner at Cona Elder Law, and Stuart Almer, president and CEO of the Gurwin Healthcare System.
“We basically come up with a game plan … of what’s going to happen to help this individual become eligible for community benefits,” Negrin-Wiener said.
With the proper information, guidance, and planning, applying for Medicaid can be a stress-free process. Negrin-Wiener explains all the limitations regarding Medicaid and how the qualification system has been changing recently. She stresses the importance of planning early since Medicaid has restrictions for both income and assets.
Figuring out what is right for you or a loved one can only be tricky. Negrin-Wiener explains the difference between community/homecare and institutional Medicaid and the application process for both.
“To do any planning, do it when things are generally okay … it takes time and you want to do it when you’re able to do it,” Almer advises.
Finding the right facility can also be a difficult process, but Almer’s advice makes the process simpler. He stresses that planning early is essential since there are a lot of factors to consider when looking at living options. Care levels, annual rent increase, distance, ratings, and Covid precautions are some of the main things he recommends researching for facilities.
It’s never too late, but planning early is key! For more information on how to look out for yourself and your loved ones, view the entire webinar right here.
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