Are you, your family and your friends caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? Right now are you, your family and friends providing the kind of constant, consistent care that your loved one with Parkinson’s needs? In the future, however, you may find it necessary to consider a nursing home if your family and friends can no longer safely take care of your loved one. Are you concerned about how to find and pay for the necessary long-term care as your loved one’s condition changes?
First of all, because these facilities can be costly, it may be possible to obtain assistance in paying for a nursing home for your loved one with Parkinson’s disease. For instance, Medicare and Medicaid may provide financial assistance in this type of situation. Even though Medicare and Medicaid are different programs, each may contribute to paying for nursing home care for your loved one in a different way.
To discuss Medicare, this is the health insurance program for adults over age 65. Many of the Medicare plans pay up to 80% of the costs of all of the doctor’s visits and diagnostic tests that come prior to a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Once the health insurance deductible is met, Medicare may then cover the remaining costs for the pre-diagnosis visits. This makes Medicare very useful for patients with Parkinson’s disease up until the point at which a nursing home is necessary. Be aware that Medicare has a limited nursing home benefit, paying only for 100 days of care.
Now, if your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, then Medicaid may pay the nursing home costs. Qualification for Medicaid depends on the income level and assets of your loved one. It is important for you to know that a qualified Alabama elder law attorney can help walk you through the process of obtaining Medicaid services for your loved one. He may have you apply for a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver first. This waiver means that Medicaid may cover part of the cost of caring for your loved one within his or her own home, or in your home. Be advised, though, Medicaid will cover the full costs of a regular nursing home if your loved one needs to enter into one. It is so vital to go through all this with a qualified elder law attorney, as he can advise you of whether Medicaid may seek to recoup costs from your loved one’s estate when your loved one passes away.
At the end of the day, estate planning is not just for you. Instead, it is for the ones you love most. If we can answer any questions for you on putting this estate planning in place, please do not hesitate to let us know. For more information, please reach out to our office and schedule a time to meet.