Depending on government is challenging because of the uncertainty that surrounds public long-term care programs. No one knows what Medicaid will look like in the future. Or what services states will decide to offer, who will be eligible, and in what settings. Public programs depend on taxes and political agendas that can fluctuate dramatically. In bad economic times, programs may be cut-back or eliminated. Family support will be important since public funds are limited and many long-term care programs have waiting lists.

Applying for Medicaid can be confusing and time consuming. Eligibility standards vary by state, and also depend upon whether you are single or have a spouse or dependents. To avoid stress, disappointment, and costly delays, this strategy takes a lot of advance planning.

DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO RETIRE

IDENTIFY COMMUNITY RESOURCES

• DO A BENEFITS CHECKUP TO DISCOVER PUBLIC SERVICES FOR WHICH YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE.
• CALL YOUR LOCAL AREA AGENCY ON AGING TO FIND OUT ABOUT LTC SERVICES IN YOUR TOWN.
• TALK TO RELIGIOUS OR FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS ABOUT GETTING VOLUNTEER HELP.

PREPARE FOR MEDICAID

• CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL MEDICAID OFFICE ABOUT STATE RULES AND REGULATIONS.
• VISIT LTC FACILITIES TO FIND OUT IF THEY ACCEPT MEDICAID AND HAVE SPACE AVAILABLE.
• GATHER DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID, WHICH CAN INCLUDE:
  • SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, BIRTH CERTIFICATE, MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, DRIVERS LICENSE
  • MEDICARE CARD, OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS
  • COPIES OF SOCIAL SECURITY OR PENSION CHECKS, TRUST DOCUMENTS, RECENT BANK STATEMENTS
  • RECORDS OF CDS OR SPECIAL ACCOUNTS, STOCK CERTIFICATES, CAR REGISTRATION
  • BUSINESS RECORDS, TAX STATEMENTS
  • LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES, BURIAL POLICY
  • RENT AND UTILITY BILLS, MORTGAGE PAYMENTS, PROOF OF HOME OWNERSHIP
  • MILITARY DISCHARGE PAPERS
  • ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD OR OTHER IMMIGRATION STATUS DOCUMENTS
• KEEP TRACK OF EXPENDITURES THAT COULD AFFECT MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY
  • SELLING OR TRANSFERRING YOUR HOME OR OTHER ASSETS
  • GIFTS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

TALK TO YOUR FAMILY

• MAKE CLEAR YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR FAMILY SUPPORT AND CAREGIVING
• DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF LIVING WITH YOUR KIDS
• TALK TO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS ABOUT LENDING A HAND

WORK WITH AN ATTORNEY

• AN ELDER LAW ATTORNEY CAN TO HELP YOU APPLY FOR MEDICAID
• DEVELOP A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY TO DEAL WITH FINANCES IN CASE OF INCAPACITY
• DRAW UP A BASIC WILL
• DEVELOP AN ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTH

Useful Tips...