What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare and Medicaid are two different government programs for healthcare.  It is important to understand the difference between them.  Here, we will discuss how the program benefits differ, how eligibility for each program is established, and discuss some recent news pertaining to each program. Medicare vs. Medicaid – What are the program benefits? Medicare is…

Qualify for Medicaid Benefits by Spending Down Assets

We often are asked if a parent sells assets to have funds to pay for a nursing home, or assisted living facility, will there be a penalty or waiting period before the parent can qualify for Medicaid benefits. The simple answer to that question is no. There is no transfer penalty or waiting period when…

The Use of Immediate Annuities in Medicaid Planning for Married Couples

Immediate annuities can be a useful tool to protect the spouse of a nursing home resident who applies for Medicaid. These types of annuities allow the nursing home resident to spend down assets and give the spouse a guaranteed income. But while immediate annuities for Medicaid planning work in Florida, they may not work in…

ABLE Accounts Changes From Tax Act You Should Know About

If you have a loved one with disabilities, you may be familiar with ABLE accounts, authorized by Congress in 2014 under the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act. States can offer ABLE accounts to help people who become disabled before age 26 and their families save and pay for disability-related expenses. These expenses include housing,…

What’s Involved with Medicaid Planning? Is it Complex?

Is Medicaid planning complex? Sometimes, Medicaid planning can be easy. An example might be when there is a need for a Qualified Income Trust, for a nursing home resident who has spent down their assets to practically zero, and whose income is above the Medicaid limit of $2,313 for 2019. You just fill out the…

Medicaid Income Asset Limits for Eligibility for Nursing Home Benefits 2019

The following dollar amounts represent the Medicaid income and asset limits for 2019. If an individual exceeds these limits, they will not qualify for Florida Medicaid Institutional Care Program benefits, to help pay the cost of long term care in a skilled nursing facility. Often, when someone has excess income or assets, there are legal…

Medicaid Bill Prevents Spousal Impoverishment for Home Care Coverage

Spousal impoverishment for the community spouse who stays at home when the other spouse is in a skilled nursing home is always an important issue. Members of the U.S. House house of representatives have taken a step toward extending some of the financial protections provided to seniors receiving long-term care in home or community settings.…