Medicaid & Long-Term Care Planning

With the help of Generations and Kristen Armstrong, clients need not be worried about the complexity of a division of assets, or simply “not having enough.” We at Generations understand the overwhelming feeling of financial hardship, cost, and the unknown that long-term care brings upon our clients. Every day we help clients navigate the Medicaid system. We help them maximize protecting their hard-earned assets and rest easier knowing they aren’t going through the Division of Assets process alone and that they aren’t going to “lose everything.”

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how it works:

• Protecting the Healthy Spouse:  When one spouse requires long-term care in a nursing home, the associated costs can quickly deplete their shared assets. KanCare is a government Medicaid program that helps cover these costs, has eligibility requirements that include limitations on countable assets, such as savings and investments. Division of assets allows the healthy spouse, also called the community spouse, to keep a portion of the couple’s combined assets, even if the ill spouse needs Medicaid to cover nursing home care expenses.
• Fair Share for the Healthy Spouse:  There’s a federally mandated minimum amount, called the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), that the healthy spouse is entitled to retain. This amount varies annually and is adjusted for inflation. In addition to the CSRA, some states, such as Kansas, have established even higher spousal protection allowances. See Current Medicaid Figures.
• Ensuring Care While Preserving Savings: By allowing the healthy spouse to keep a portion of the couple’s assets, Medicaid protects their financial security in the future. This can be crucial for covering their own living expenses, potential medical needs, and potentially even long-term care costs down the road.
• Key Considerations: It’s important to remember that division of assets only applies to married couples. Single individuals or couples who are not married don’t have this protection. Additionally, Medicaid eligibility rules and the specific amounts for the CSRA can vary by state.
• Seeking Professional Guidance: Considering the complexities involved (believe it or not, it is NOT as simple as “adding all assets up and dividing by two!”) a division of assets isn’t something we recommend doing on your own. In addition to exceptions in the law, Ms. Armstrong also utilizes advance planning techniques to maximize savings and protect assets. It’s rarely too late, even if your loved one is already in long-term care!

To navigate unforeseen situations requiring immediate out-of-home care for elderly loved ones, a Medicaid Crisis Care Plan offers families a strategy for safeguarding their legal, financial, and personal well-being. Crisis Care Planning can empower families to ensure the immediate safety and well-being of their loved one, while maintaining as much independence and dignity as possible.

People who benefit from Crisis Care Planning typically fall into one or more of the following categories:

1. They are dependent on others for self-care.
2. They are in need of long-term care outside the home.
3. They are completely reliant on family or professional caregivers.
4. Immediate action is needed to pay for care without impoverishing the family.

Ms. Armstrong and staff at Generations can be especially helpful in understanding the complex rules around Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care. Ms. Armstrong enjoys helping clients develop strategies to protect their assets while still qualifying for benefits. We are experienced in dealing with Kansas Medicaid issues and planning techniques. We have developed relationships with many of the long-term care facilities and assisting living communities throughout Central Kansas and are able to help facilitate communication between family members and facilities about long-term care plans and other important decisions.

Peace of Mind:

Generations can help you plan for the future and ensure your wishes are respected. This can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Protection:

We can help safeguard your assets and ensure you receive the care you need as you age.

Knowledge and Expertise:

We have the requisite knowledge necessary to guide you through legal issues affecting older adults and complex processes.