Medicaid Protections for the Healthy Spouse
Medicaid law provides special protections for the spouses of Medicaid applicants to make sure the spouses have the minimum support needed to continue to live in the community.
How Does Medicaid Treat Income?
The basic Medicaid rule for nursing home residents is that they must pay all of their income, minus certain deductions, to the nursing home.
What Is a Miller Trust?
In some states (called “income cap” states), Medicaid applicants who have excess income can qualify for Medicaid only if they put the excess in a special trust, called a “Miller” trust or a “Qualified Income Trust.
Medicaid's Asset Rules
In order to be eligible for Medicaid benefits a nursing home resident may have no more than $2,000 in “countable” assets (the figure may be somewhat higher in some states).
The Film “I Care a Lot” Highlights Vulnerabilities in the Guardianship System
Netflix’s popular new movie, I Care a Lot, may be far-fetched in a lot of ways, but it does highlight some real weaknesses in the guardianship system. Fortunately, steps can be taken to avoid the guardianship system and the kind of nightmare the film portrays.
What Is Critical Illness Insurance and Is It Worth Buying?
Many employers offer critical illness insurance as part of their benefit package. What is this insurance and is it worth purchasing? Before paying for a plan, you should read the fine print and consider alternatives. While a regular health insurance plan usually offers comprehensive coverage for all types of illnesses, many plans have high deductibles…
The Ins and Outs of Guardianship and Conservatorship
Every adult is assumed to be capable of making his or her own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions, the court will appoint a substitute decision maker.
12 Interview Questions to Ask an In-Home Aide
Most older Americans want to remain in their homes as long as possible. For growing numbers of elders – and concerned family members – this is only possible with the help of a home care aide. As we discuss in another article, there are two basic types of aides and two ways to engage one: either through an agency or hiring one yourself.
How to Select an In-Home Aide
Studies show that older Americans want to remain in their homes for as long as possible – even when they are struggling. For growing numbers of elders – and concerned family members – the solution to their struggle is a home aide. If your family is considering hiring an aide, the first decision is what type of aide you need.