New Jersey Medicaid
Contact Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq., an Experienced New Jersey Medicare/Medicaid Attorney.
One of the most difficult transitions people face in their lives as they get older is that from independently living in their own home or apartment to living in a long term care facility or “nursing home.” The decision to move to a nursing home is often done during a period of great stress, usually after one has been hospitalized due to a serious medical condition or injury. Other times it may be due to a progressive illness, such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis.
"Early Dementia, Alzheimer’s. My Mom’s health deteriorated to the point she required full-time care. She wanted to live at home, but required regular help with the essentials of daily living (i.e. dressing, bathing, etc.). As her caregiver daughter, the responsibilities fell on me to figure out what to do. Thank goodness for Fredrick Niemann and Mr. Niemann.
He met with me and explained all of my options for my mom, from at home/community care, assisted living, state, county and local programs for the elderly, financial eligibility for benefits, Medicaid qualification, pharmaceutical assistance, utility aid, Medicare and Veteran’s benefits, etc. While I felt overwhelmed by it all, Mr. Niemann clearly was in control of what could be done for Mom. We engaged him to make applications for subsidized at-home care and assistance through available grant programs and as part of his services to us, he is counseling us on a reverse mortgage, income and financial products to enhance Mom’s monthly income and to reduce her expenses. Mom would tell me to let Mr. Niemann make all the decisions although I am her Power of Attorney. I value so much his confident and generally caring manner. If you’re trying to help your Mom, Dad or family member deal with a life changing health condition, call Fredrick Niemann. I’m glad I did and so is Mom."
—Mary Layton, Farmingdale, NJ» Read more testimonials
Finding the right facility and securing payment for the care and services your loved one will receive can be a stressful task for anyone. There are over 64 nursing homes in Central Jersey alone and over 364 in the entire state to choose from. The monthly cost for homes in Monmouth County is on average between $7,500 and $11,000, which can place a significant financial burden on any person. Finding a quality care facility while maintaining financial stability can be a gruesome task. Luckily the attorneys at Hanlon Niemann are here to help. An experienced attorney can help you secure alternative payment methods which will allow you to maintain the financial security you desire, while also making sure your loved one gets nothing but the best medical treatment and care. Visit www.njmedicaidattorney.com to learn more.
HOW TO PAY FOR A NURSING HOME CARE
The four most commonly used methods to pay for a nursing home and medical care expenses associated with it are as follows:
- Long-term Care Insurance – This type of coverage can significantly help you pay for nursing home care, but has become popular only in recent years.
- Medicare - The national health insurance program is for those 65 years and older for the most part, although it also covers those with certain disabilities and people with kidney failure. Medicare will provide short-term assistance only with nursing home expenses, but only if you meet strict qualification criteria, making it a difficult option.
- Medicaid – A much friendlier option to nursing home care, Medicaid is the federal and state funded, state administered medical benefit program. It will help pay for the long-term nursing home expenses one incurs so long as you meet certain asset and income criteria.
- Personal Funds – Often one wants to avoid using personal funds to pay for nursing home expenses, as they can be quite costly. The majority of people are required to use this method at first until they prove they qualify for another method. Visit www.applyingformedicaidelegibilityinnj.com to learn more.
MEDICARE vs. MEDICAID. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Medicare
Medicare is the federally funded and state administered health insurance program primarily designed for older individuals (those over age 65). There are some limited nursing home care benefits that can be available under Medicare. In general, if you are enrolled in the traditional Medicare plan, you have had a hospital stay of at least three days and then are admitted into a skilled nursing facility (often for rehabilitation or skilled nursing care), Medicare may pay for a while, with a maximum benefit of 100 days of coverage. Most people do not meet the medical requirements for the 100 day benefit period as most nursing home residents require custodial care.
Visit our New Jersey Medicaid Law website!
Or, for information on appealing Medicaid/Medicare denial, visit our Appealing Medicaid Denial site.
Need legal counsel for your Medicaid/Medicare application? Visit Applying for Medicaid site.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal and state funded and state administered benefits program. Unlike Medicare, which only pays for skilled nursing, Medicaid will pay for long-term care in a nursing home, including custodial care, once you have qualified. In order to qualify, one must show the need for nursing home care. This involves demonstrating that the individual is not able to manage a home environment, requiring assistance with activity of daily living skills for more than 2.5 hours per day. Financial requirements must also be met, which are established by each individual state.
WHY SHOULD ONE SEEK MEDICAID ADVICE?
The cost of a nursing home today can be extremely burdensome financially on anyone. $7,500 to $11,000 per month can eat into your life savings quicker than you ever imagined. The Medicaid program is available to those who cannot afford these monthly payments, but certain income and asset requirements must be met. Consulting with an experienced elder law attorney is beneficial in planning for the financial burdens that one may incur when sending a loved one to a nursing home. An attorney is able to assist you in meeting the qualifications for Medicaid and assuring that you aren’t paying for the nursing care out of your own pocket when you don’t have to. Often, without proper planning and advice, many people spend more than they are required to. They may transfer finances inappropriately, resulting in months of ineligibility for Medicaid, which can jeopardize their family’s financial security. A consultation with an experienced elder law attorney may save you a significant amount of financial resources and time when applying for Medicaid or when faced with the costs of long term care either now or in the future.
If you have a question regarding Medicaid or related to sending a loved one to a nursing home, please contact Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. immediately. Don’t waste another moment paying for healthcare out of your own pocket that you shouldn’t have to. He can be reached toll free at (888) 800-7442 or by email at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com