Medicaid Planning Attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland

The average monthly cost of nursing homes or assisted living in Maryland can be quite expensive. Even when you have substantial assets and money or are a prudent saver, it can be difficult to sustain the cost of long-term care. Thankfully, the Medicaid program offers healthcare coverage to lots of eligible Americans, including seniors, children, low-income adults, and the disabled. 

If you're considering long-term care planning and want to understand your options for Medicaid, consulting with a trusted attorney is imperative for detailed guidance. At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we're dedicated to offering personalized guidance to clients in elder law matters, including healthcare and Medicaid planning. 

As your legal counsel, we can determine your eligibility for Medicaid and outline a solid plan for your long-term care. Our firm proudly serves clients across Dunkirk, Maryland, and the surrounding areas of Charles County, Prince George's County, Calvert County, and St. Mary's County. 

What Is Medicaid? 

Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that offers healthcare coverage to several eligible Americans who have limited resources and income. The Medicaid program is available to eligible low-income adults, seniors, pregnant women, children, families, and individuals with special needs. 

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid? 

Furthermore, Medicaid long-term care programs are available for low-income adults and seniors in Maryland. However, the eligibility requirement usually depends on various criteria, including household income and asset limits. An experienced Maryland Medicaid planning attorney can help determine your eligibility or explore your other available options to qualify for the Medicaid program. 

Adults 

To be eligible for Medicaid in Maryland – as an adult through the Maryland Health Connection – you must have an annual household income lower than the following amounts: 

• One-person household – $1,677 

• Two-person household – $2,269 

• Three-person household – $2,859 

• Four-person household – $3,450 

• Five-person household – $4,042 

• Six-person household – $4,633 

• Seven-person household – $5,223 

• Eight-person household – $5,815 

*Add $592 for each household that has more than 8 members. 

The figures listed above are for applications submitted in 2023 but are often updated regularly. 

Seniors Aged 65 and Older 

Here's the eligibility requirement for the Medicaid program for seniors aged 65 and older: 

Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid 

• Single: Income limit lower than nursing home cost, and asset limit of $2,500. 

• Married (both spouses applying): Income limit lower than nursing home cost and asset limit of $6,000 ($3,000 per spouse). 

• Married (one spouse applying): Income limit lower than nursing home cost, and asset limit of $2,500 for the applicant and $148,620 for non-applicant. 

Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community-Based Services 

• Single: Income limit of $2,742 per month and asset limit of $2,000 

• Married (both spouses applying): Income limit of $2,742 per month, and asset limit of $3,000 

• Married (one spouse applying): Income limit of $2,742 per month for the applicant, asset limit of $2,000 for the applicant, and $148,620 for the non-applicant. 

Regular Medicaid / Aged Blind and Disabled 

• Single: Income limit of $350 per month and asset limit of $2,500 

• Married (both spouses applying): Income limit of $392 per month, and asset limit of $3,000 

• Married (one spouse applying): Income limit of $392 per month and asset limit of $3,000 for the applicant. 

Medically Needy Pathway 

Furthermore, seniors 65 years or older who do not meet the eligibility requirements may still be able to qualify for the Medicaid program through the "Medically Needy Pathway." However, to be eligible, the applicant's medical bills must be less than or equal to their earnings. In such a situation, the applicant's "excess income" will help cover their medical expenses. 

Look-Back Period 

Additionally, there is usually a Medicaid Look-Back Period which prevents applicants from transferring, giving away, or selling assets below the fair market value to meet the Medicaid asset limit. In the state of Maryland, the look-back period is 60 months (5 years). Property sold during the look-back period will be evaluated, and you may receive a penalty for violation or become ineligible to apply. 

Why You Should Take Advantage of Medicaid Planning 

Here are some reasons to take advantage of Medicaid planning: 

• It allows you to plan in advance for the expensive costs of long-term care. 

• It helps protect your property, assets, and finances. 

• It ensures that you don't spend out of your retirement savings on long-term care. 

• It can save you money, time, and stress. 

• It improves your chances of qualifying for the Medicaid program. 

• It helps prevent potential mistakes that may cause your benefits to be denied. 

A seasoned attorney can evaluate your unique needs and concerns, assist with your Medicaid planning, and guide you through the application process. 

Work With an Experienced Medicaid Planning Attorney 

Eligibility for Medicaid in Maryland is very complicated, and the rules are frequently changing. In addition, applying for the Medicaid program can be time-consuming, and it may take a long time to review and process your application. Therefore, working with a skilled elder law and estate planning attorney is crucial. 

With more than 25 years of experience, our attorney has the diligence and resources to assist and guide individuals, seniors, and families through the complex procedures involved in Medicaid planning and application. As your legal counsel, the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD can help structure your financial resources and submit the necessary documentation to ensure you're eligible for the program.