Ask The Pros

Justin, I helped my mother get Medicaid coverage for her assisted living facility about a year ago. It was a long and confusing process, but when we finally received the approval notice I thought it was over. To my surprise, last week we received a notice that she was up for reevaluation. Should I be worried she could lose her coverage?

Justin, My father filed for VA Aid and Attendance benefits six months ago.  After waiting all that time, all he got was a confusing denial.  The letter he received referenced old accounts he no longer has and interest income that was generated by those accounts.  What could have gone wrong?

Justin, My mom has been living in a nursing home for the last half year, and she is depleting her savings at an alarming rate.   In six months she has spent over $35,000 on nursing home costs, and the spending is causing her tremendous anxiety.  She and my late father never spent a dime on themselves, and they saved all their lives.  Mom feels helpless now that her savings is getting eaten up so quickly.  Is it too late for her to hire an attorney to try to protect her home and savings?

Justin, I read your column every week, and I feel like I’ve learned so much.  Thank you!  You keep saying that your law firm practices Elder Law.  What exactly is Elder Law?

Justin, I want to get my affairs in order, but I’m not sure where to start. I did a will many years ago, but it’s outdated now. I considered deeding my home to my children to keep it out of probate, but my accountant advised against it. It seems like there is a lot to think about, but I don’t know all the right questions to ask much less all the answers. Can you point me in the right direction?

Justin, My mom has been a resident in a nursing home for almost a year now. We’ve spent about $60,000 on her care so far. As strange as this may sound, she’s doing fairly well at the nursing home, so this could go on for a long time. She owns her home and has some assets available to cover the costs for a while, but she’ll run out eventually. Is there anything we can do to be ready for when she’s out of money?

Justin, My mom and dad created a trust about twelve years ago. Almost everything they own is titled in the name of that trust. That should mean their assets are safe even if they need long-term care one day, right?

Melissa, I just read an article that says 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point. That’s a little bit terrifying to me. What can I do to be ready so I don’t lose everything trying to pay for it?

Justin, I have already listed my wife as the death beneficiary on my IRA, but my financial advisor says I also need to consider adding a contingent beneficiary. What do you think?

Justin, my wife and I want to make sure our home goes to our children when we die. I want to deed it to them now because that seems to be the cheapest option. I also figure that will keep the home safe if one of us ever needs a nursing home. My wife is hesitant. Is there any reason we shouldn’t go ahead with a deed now?