When creating your estate plan, planning for your health and medical care is critical. Ensuring that you get the medical care you need – now and in the future – not only helps you live your best life, but it also takes the stress and worries off your loved ones, knowing that your medical needs are met.
So, when planning for your future, make sure that you don’t overlook Medicaid planning.
Keep reading to learn more about what Medicaid is and how to qualify for it in Louisiana.
1. What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a government program that provides medical benefits to low-income families and individuals. As of 2019, over 75 million Americans received healthcare through Medicaid, including long-term care through nursing homes. In Louisiana, over one million people receive healthcare through Medicaid, which operates through Louisiana’s Department of Health.
Medicaid is the single largest source of healthcare and medical coverage in the United States.
2. How Do I Qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana?
The initial qualification for Medicaid is determined using the federal poverty level income guidelines. For example, the federal poverty level income guideline for individuals is $13,590 (in 2022), and for a family of 4, it’s $27,750 (in 2022). These 2022 guideline limits determine coverage for 2023.
Once you meet the income guidelines, then you’ll qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana if you meet the following:
- You’re receiving Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Get financial assistance from the Office of Family Support (OFS) through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)
However, you also may qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana if you meet the following:
- You are disabled, according to the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.
- You have corrected vision no better than 20/200.
- You have breast and/or cervical cancer, and you have no health insurance.
- You are low-income and receive Medicare.
An experienced Louisiana elder law attorney can help you determine if you or your loved one qualifies for Medicaid.
3. How Do I Protect My Home from Medicaid Estate Recovery?
When a Medicaid recipient passes away, their home may be possessed by the state in an effort to recover any Medicaid benefits received. This is called the “Medicaid Estate Recovery” program.
However, with the help of an experienced elder law attorney, you can avoid this by ensuring that your house does not fall under Louisiana’s probate (or succession) process. After all, you probably would rather your children, grandchildren, or other family members get your house after you pass – not the government.
At Losavio & DeJean, LLC, we have developed innovative and creative strategies to protect your home from Louisiana Medicaid Estate Recovery.
We know these conversations are challenging to have. Our estate planning lawyers at Losavio & DeJean, LLC, offer every client compassionate and empathetic legal representation that considers the whole person. When you hire one of our Medicaid planning attorneys in Baton Rouge, you can be sure you are getting experienced legal representation that puts you and your needs first.
Why Retain Losavio & DeJean, LLC?
We know these conversations are challenging to have. Our estate planning lawyers at Losavio & DeJean, LLC, offer every client compassionate and empathetic legal representation that considers the whole person. When you hire one of our Medicaid planning attorneys in Baton Rouge, you can be sure you are getting experienced legal representation that puts you and your needs first.
Contact us today to learn more.