O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C.

Medicaid

Using Medicaid To Your Advantage

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) is a needs-based program created at the same time as Medicare was created. It is administered federally by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Medicaid was originally developed to provide medical assistance to mothers and babies. It has grown into an insurance program that continues to benefit needy individuals, particularly those who qualify Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

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However, most monies in the Medicaid programs fund long-term care payments, primarily in nursing homes for those who meet the financial and medical requirements. Both the federal government (who provides 55 percent of the funding of this program in Pennsylvania) and the state governments are spending billions of dollars maintaining individuals in nursing homes across the country. The states administer the Medicaid programs and the eligibility rules are specific to each state, although there is an “overlay” of federal rules to consider.

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A Lawyer Can Help

Medicaid is a very complicated program. Individuals who qualify for SSI have Medicaid as their medical insurance. Some individuals on Medicare might also be eligible for Medicaid (dual eligible). Some people qualify for Medicaid on a limited basis when catastrophic needs occur, such as an auto accident or a severe health crisis and no medical insurance is available. Medicaid pays for assistance at home for some qualified individuals through programs administered by the local Offices of Aging in Pennsylvania. Medicaid does not pay for care in a personal care/assisted living facility in Pennsylvania at this point. Most people are most familiar with Medicaid in a nursing home setting.

Because of all these complications, it is crucial to speak with a lawyer if you plan to utilize Medicare or Medicaid. It is especially important to consult a qualified elder law attorney if one spouse enters a facility and the other spouse requires financial protection. Even if it is a single person, there are still techniques to ensure qualification for Medicaid promptly.

Contact The Firm Today

Knowing your options can save a great deal of time and anxiety. Our elder law attorneys have significant experience with accessing the Medicaid program and understanding eligibility options. You can reach O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C.’s office by calling 610-323-2800, or by sending us an online message. One of our skilled attorneys will get back to you promptly.

Meet Our Certified Elder Law Attorney

Rebecca A. Hobbs, CELA*

Principal

  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Guardianships
  • Wills & Estate Planning
  • Trusts
  • Probate & Estate Administration
  • Veterans Benefits

Take The First Step: Contact Us Today

Call 610-323-2800 to speak with a family law attorney today.