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Medicaid Planning Attorney in Olympia, Washington

According to a Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Washington is $5,750, while nursing homes cost about $8,821 per month. Even for the most prudent savers, this can be difficult to sustain. Proper Medicaid planning can help families prepare for the financial toll of long-term care and protect their estate and assets for future generations. If you want to understand your options regarding Medicaid, consulting with an experienced estate planning and elder law attorney is important.

Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning is dedicated to offering legal services and comprehensive guidance in the legal matters of estate planning, including elder law, long-term care, and Medicaid planning. He is available to discuss your circumstances and help you understand your options. As your legal counsel, he can guide you through every stage of the Medicaid application process and offer you the detailed counsel and advocacy you need to make informed decisions.

The Law Offices of Robert Taylor-Manning is proud to serve clients throughout Olympia, Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding communities.

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What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to eligible Americans, including children, pregnant women, families, low-income adults, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

Who is Eligible?

Several Medicaid long-term care programs are available for seniors in Washington. The eligibility requirements of these programs vary depending on marital status and whether it is a single or joint application.

Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid

  • Single: Income limit of $2,382 per month, and assets limit of $2,000

  • Married (both spouses applying): Income limit of $4,764 per month, and assets limit of $3,000

  • Married (one spouse applying): Income limit of $ $2,382 per month for the applicant, and assets limit of $2,000 for the applicant, and $130,380 for the non-applicant

Medicaid Waivers/Home & Community-Based Services

  • Single: Income limit of $2,382 per month, and assets limit of $2,000

  • Married (both spouses applying): Income limit of $4,764 per month, and assets limit of $3,000

  • Married (one spouse applying): Income limit of $ $2,382 per month for the applicant, and assets limit of $2,000 for the applicant, and $130,380 for the non-applicant

Regular Medicaid/Aged, Blind, & Disabled

  • Single: Income limit of $794 per month, and assets limit of $2,000

  • Married (both spouses applying): Income limit of $1,191 per month, and assets limit of $3,000

  • Married (one spouse applying): Income limit of $1,191 per month, and assets limit of $3,000

Medically Needy Pathway

Individual adults 65 years or older who do not meet the eligibility requirements listed above can still qualify for Medicaid through the “Medically Needy Pathway,” provided that the applicant’s medical expenses are substantial enough relative to their income. Here, the person’s “excess income” will be used to cover medical bills.

Look-Back Period

The purpose of the Medicaid “look-back” period is to prevent applicants from giving away assets as gifts or selling their property for less than fair market value in order to meet the asset limit of Medicaid. The look-back period in Washington is five years.

All assets sold or gifts given within the look-back period will be reviewed during your Medicaid application. A penalty will be imposed on applicants found to have violated the rule. During the period, they will be ineligible to apply for Medicaid.

The Importance of Medicaid Planning

Medicaid planning allows individuals and families to plan ahead in order to cover the expensive costs of long-term care, including nursing home care or assisted living. This planning allows you to protect your assets and finances and ensure that you do not spend down on your retirement saving. It is best done long before the need for long-term care.

Note: You will only be eligible for Medicaid if you fall within the required income and asset limits.

Work with an Experienced Attorney

Long-term care often involves a huge financial price tag, especially when nursing home care is required. If care is not taken, you may end up paying for assisted living or nursing home care until you run out of finances. Thankfully, families can prepare adequately for the financial toll through Medicaid planning. An experienced estate planning attorney can review your situation and explore your available options.

Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning is devoted to helping seniors and their families plan for long-term care and the uncertainties of life. He will guide you through every process involved, including filling out the necessary forms, providing supporting documentation, and submitting the application.

Using his extensive experience, Robert will determine if you meet the income and asset limits and financial eligibility requirements, implement various strategies to protect your income and assets, and maximize income for your healthy spouse. Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning will work diligently to address your needs and concerns and ensure a smooth and successful Medicaid planning and application process.

Medicaid Planning Attorney
Serving
Olympia, Washington

Contact the Law Offices of Robert Taylor-Manning today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about your Medicaid planning options. Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning can offer you the experienced legal counsel, advocacy, and support you need to make the right choices. The firm proudly represents clients throughout Olympia, Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding communities.