As of October 2019, there were approximately 64 million people enrolled in Medicaid in the United States. With Medicaid expenditures expected to exceed $1 trillion annually by 2027, the program will continue to become the largest source of health-related services for US citizens with limited resources.
When planning to enroll for Medicaid, many seniors make the mistake of not using a Medicaid attorney. That’s because they’re afraid of the costs involved. Interestingly, working with a lawyer for Medicaid can save you money in the long run, besides ensuring that you get the best care for you or your loved one.
In this comprehensive guide, we give you five clear benefits of hiring a Medicaid lawyer. But first:
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a US federal government program founded in 1965 to pay for medical services for low-income citizens. The program is administered by the state.
Medicaid was initially meant to provide payment for health care services for needy people that couldn’t work. These people included the aged, the disabled, the blind, and single-parent families. Today, the program has expanded to include more people, including pregnant women, children, and families whose providers are unemployed.
To qualify for Medicaid, one needs to meet federal income and asset standards. They must also fit into one of the categories we specified above. The DHSS can limit health care services as long as the services provided are sufficient in amount, duration, and scope to meet your medical needs.
In the next section, we’ll see how working with a Medicaid attorney can benefit you if you intend to join Medicaid.
Who Is a Medicaid Attorney?
Medicaid lawyers are legal professionals who represent people who have trouble with the services received from health organizations that provide Medicaid services. Sometimes, a Medicaid recipient needs to launch an appeal if the health organization denies them the services they need, or there’s a dispute over payment. A Medicaid lawyer helps the client receive a fair hearing process before the state Medicaid agency.
But Medicaid recipients aren’t the only people who may require the services of Medicaid attorneys. The caregiver of an elderly person or the legal guardian of a child can also hire a Medicaid attorney when seeking to obtain Medicaid benefits on behalf of these people.
Why Should You Hire a Medicaid Attorney?
As you’re going to find out, the terminology used in Medicaid can be confusing, and some of the laws are complex. A Medicaid attorney can help simplify everything for you and guide you in determining your eligibility rights and planning for your future. Below, we discuss some of the reasons hiring a Medicaid lawyer makes perfect sense.
1. There’s No Conflict of Interest
A nursing home can recommend a non-lawyer to help you prepare a Medicaid application. Unfortunately, the individual recommended to you by the nursing home will always have dual interests, both to you and to the nursing facility. That creates a conflict of interest.
For your Medicaid application to be successful, you must make sure that there’s no conflict of interest. By hiring your own Medicaid lawyer, you have someone representing you whose duty of loyalty is to you alone.
2. You Get to Save Money
Some nursing homes charge residents over ten thousand dollars a month. Legal fees in the facility can cost a lot more than that.
An independent Medicaid attorney will usually provide a free consultation and determine what you stand to achieve before you pay legal fees. Ultimately, hiring your own attorney is much more affordable.
3. A Medicaid Attorney Has Experience in the Field
Given that Medicaid lawyers work in the field every day, they usually have extensive depth and breadth of experience that you can benefit from. Your attorney can effectively explain to you how you can achieve your goals.
A Medicaid lawyer can provide advice on what you need to do to maintain your independence and dignity. They’ll help you determine whether it’s best to stay at home or to move to an assisted living facility. Moreover, experts on elderly law can provide the guidance you need for properly transferring your assets to your children.
4. Medicaid Attorneys Have Malpractice Insurance
A professional Medicaid attorney will usually go out of their way to provide outstanding service and representation. But mistakes sometimes happen. The great news is that there’s always a remedy when things go wrong.
A reputable Medicaid attorney will always carry malpractice insurance. In case something unexpected happens, you are covered.
5. An Attorney Affords You Peace of Mind
Earlier, we pointed out that Medicaid law can be complex and confusing. The application process can seem overwhelming for first-timers. An expert in elderly law can help make sure that you do not miss any important detail.
The Medicaid attorney may point out that there’s little you can do to achieve eligibility more quickly or preserve your assets. If they do, you’ll still have peace of mind that you left no stone unturned.
Once you begin the Medicaid application process, a Medicaid attorney will help you deal with any obstacles that arise, so you achieve the optimal solution.
How Can You Find the Right Medicaid Lawyer for You?
Given that there are many Medicaid lawyers out there, deciding on the right one for your needs can seem like a challenge. The best way to kickstart the process is by getting a referral from someone you know, such as a colleague or family friend. Financial advisors, fiduciaries, and accountants are also a good source of information on reliable elder law attorneys as they work with them regularly.
Once you get a few referrals, meet with the attorneys in person for an initial consultation. During this meeting, you can get a good feel for how they work and determine whether their style works for you. Use this meeting to find out more about the lawyer’s credentials, experience, customer service, fees, and so on.
A Medicaid Attorney Can Be of Great Help to You
When you depend on Medicaid or want to enroll for the program, a Medicaid attorney can prove very helpful. Such a professional can be a dependable source of personalized assistance and guidance through the application process and when you need representation during disputes involving Medicaid.
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