Long Term Care / MassHealth Planning

As many families know, the cost of long-term care in a nursing home can be astronomical and often averages more than $10,000 a month.  Fortunately, both the state and federal governments provide a variety of benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid, that can help needy seniors afford the costs of long-term care, either in-home or in a long-term care facility.  (Please note – Medicaid is called “MassHealth” in Massachusetts).  However, in order to qualify for MassHealth long-term care benefits, a senior must meet very stringent medical and financial requirements that are constantly changing. 

Although this process can be very confusing, a good elder law attorney can help plan for the future, so that a senior who needs MassHealth will be a) financially eligible if the time comes and b) able to set aside some of his or her assets for others so that the cost of long-term care will not destroy a lifetime of savings.  For instance, some seniors may want to establish a trust for their children and grandchildren that can, if properly structured, still provide them with income while avoiding MassHealth liens.  In some other cases, the purchase of a specialized annuity may provide a spouse living in the community with the funds he or she needs to live while still allowing his or her spouse to qualify for MassHealth benefits.  Because MassHealth is so confusing, and because the repercussions from bad planning decisions can be so severe, it is imperative that people who are worried about the cost of long-term care speak with a qualified attorney well before they need MassHealth, if possible.  Brown & Brown can help seniors and their families protect their assets and plan for the future.