Learn How an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application Can Help You or a Loved One

If you or a spouse have served in the military, you may be eligible to submit an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application that can help offset the cost of care for an assisted living. The basic requirements to be eligible to submit an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application are being aged 65 or older, being a wartime veteran, and not currently receiving 100% VA disability income.

How an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application Can Help:

To be considered a wartime veteran for an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application, you must have served during specific timeframes.  They are as follows:  World War II (December 7, 1941-December 31, 1956), Korean Conflict (June 27, 1950-January 31, 1955), Vietnam era (February 28, 1961-May 7, 1975, although there are exceptions), and The Gulf War (August 2,1990-present).

Additionally, there are different amounts of benefits available for an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application depending on your situation.  The maximum monthly benefits are as follows: Two married veterans can receive $3,649, a surviving spouse of a veteran can receive $1,478, a veteran with no spouse or dependent children can receive $2,300, a married couple where the veteran requires care can receive $2,727, a healthy veteran with a spouse who requires care can receive $1,750.

These benefits received as the result of having an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application approved can prove invaluable, especially for a veteran or their surviving spouse that needs assisted living care.  Not every assisted living is contracted with Medicaid, but the ones that are generally get $1,400-$1,600 of the monthly bill covered by Medicare.

  

In 2024, the average monthly cost for an assisted living facility in Florida is $3,994. This means that if a veteran or their surviving spouse has been approved for Medicaid benefits and for an Aid and Attendance benefit Application, they can have the majority of their bill paid every month for the assisted living facility.

This is a game changer, as many veterans or their surviving spouses live on limited fixed incomes that may not be enough to cover their cost of care otherwise.  Everyone, especially veterans and their spouses deserve to be cared for as they age without going broke.  By combining an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application with Medicaid benefits, this can be achieved!

Final Word:

Platinum Benefit Services has been obtaining Medicaid approvals for our clients for over 27 years.  In that time, we have won over 14,000 approvals.  We work closely with a VA accredited professional who will help you apply for an Aid and Attendance Benefit Application while we work to secure Medicaid benefits on you or a loved one’s behalf.  We take what we do very seriously and will not stop until you or a loved one receives the care you or they need.  If you would like to pursue Medicaid eligibility and submit an Aid and Attendance Benefit application to obtain VA benefits, contact Platinum today!

Things to Consider When Filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly

There are many factors that determine whether a Medicaid Application for the Elderly is successful.  The Department of Children and Families is the organization that reviews and either approves or denies Medicaid Applications for the Elderly.

Factors to Consider When Filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly:

The Department of Children and families (DCF) has income and countable asset limits for applicants.  In 2024, the income limit is $2,829, and the countable asset limit is $2,000 for an individual applicant, $3,000 for a married couple that are both applying, and $2,000 for the applicant and $154,140 for the non-applicant spouse if married.  For many individuals seeking to file a Medicaid Application for the Elderly, this is already enough to cause confusion.

The rules do not stop there. DCF looks at the 5 years (60 months) prior to application to see if any gifting has occurred. DCF looks at money given away, assets sold for less than fair Market Value (FMV), etc. DCF is concerned that a potential applicant will try to dispose of money in order to get below the countable asset limit.  If DCF determines that gifting has occurred, a potential penalty period may ensue that pushes back the date that benefits begin after a Medicaid Application for the Elderly is filed. 

The penalty divisor in 2024 is $10,300.  This is the amount that DCF figures an average skilled nursing facility will cost per month.  If the total gifting over the 5 years prior to application is equal to or greater than $10,300 an ineligibility period occurs.  The formula for calculating this ineligibility period is

(aggregate gifting/$10,300=months of ineligibility). There are no partial months of ineligibility, so it is always rounded down.  This can certainly cause problems in regard to a Medicaid Application, because situations do happen where the gifting is enough to cause at least a month of ineligibility.

Fortunately, steps can be taken to correct the gifting so that it does not cause an issue for a Medicaid Application for the Elderly.  Beyond the basic approach of returning the gifted amount, the other strategies to correct gifting are not widely known, so it is advisable to speak to an expert when trying to correct gifting so that it does not interfere with a Medicaid Application for the Elderly.

When an individual or couple that wishes to submit a Medicaid Application for the Elderly is over the countable asset limit, there are many protection strategies that can be used to convert the assets from the countable category to the non-countable/exempt category for qualification purposes.

Steps can also be taken to restructure income so that it meets the qualification criteria for a Medicaid Application for the Elderly.

Over to You:

Platinum Benefit Services has been obtaining Medicaid Application for the Elderly approvals for over 27 years and has obtained over 14,000 approvals.  Over that time, we have gained unmatched expertise in the field which translates to unmatched results for you or a loved one.  If you want to know you are in the best hands, contact us today!

How To Get Medicaid for Nursing Home Care For Elderly Without Breaking Your Pocket?

Are you looking to help a parent or loved one get nursing home care, but the Medicaid rules are so complex? You aren't alone. At Platinum Benefit Services, we look after Medicaid-related concerns and have a team of experts who are well-versed with all the rules and clauses of Medicaid for Nursing Home Care. We know exactly how to protect your savings and help you in your hard financial times. 

How Medicaid Helps?

In many homes, the elderly struggle to take care of themselves. And since most homes have nuclear families, with both spouses working, the struggle is more. Luckily, Medicaid for Nursing Home Care can be your help at this challenging time. 

Medicaid is a U.S. healthcare program supported by both the federal and state governments that helps senior citizens receive healthcare. If a person qualifies for Medicaid facilities, they will receive coverage for specific nursing home expenses, medicines, care services, medical supplies, and more.

Qualifying For Medicaid for Nursing Home Care:

Your loved one must meet the norms of a necessary medical test to avail of the coverage. The criteria include the following:

•Their monthly income must be less than $2,523.

•Their assets must not be more than $2,000 (excluding their private vehicles and shared marital assets (in a situation where the spouse doesn't need Medicaid).

Remember, the Medicaid grant is intended for individuals who need nursing home care but can't bear the expenses. 

Application Process for Medicaid:

If you want Medicaid coverage for your loved one, then move on with the application process. Filling an application can be tedious and difficult. And if you make even a tiny blunder, your application may get rejected. Being accurate and timely are critical aspects for the success of your application.

During the application process, you have to submit multiple documents like age proof, income assets, and records regarding finances. It's better to take the help of an expert who can guide you through the process. 

Over to You:

When it comes to Medicaid for Nursing Home Care for your loved one, you must be mindful. At Platinum Benefit Services, we have been helping people cruise through situations where they need safe care facilities for their elderly but don't have the budget to bear the costs. We look into every detail, do paperwork, and take care of every need precisely needed for the success of an application for Medicaid benefits.

Does Medicaid Pay For Nursing Home Care?

In this blog, you will find answers to many questions associated with Medicaid Nursing Home Eligibility. 

Firstly, Medicaid will pay for nursing home care for people who meet the program’s fundamental eligibility criteria. You must know the rules vary from one state to another. So, it is advised to have a conversation with local Medicaid experts who can guide you successfully through the process.

Along with that, the Medicaid complexity in rules changes based on the marital status of the marital status of applicant or beneficiary. On qualifying, you, the applicant, get all the Medicaid benefits they can avail.

How Much Does Medicaid Pay for Nursing Home Care?

According to Medicaid rules, the applicant will receive a complete payment for nursing home care that includes room charges, food, and medical items. In contrast, the nursing home resident must contribute most of their income to these expenses. This is termed Patient Liability.

As a nursing home resident, you can receive a small Personal Needs Allowance from your income, and the criteria are based on the rules of the state of the resident. 

A nursing home facility can deduce costs like Medicare premiums, which Medicaid does not cover. For better understanding, you can connect with a local Medicaid planning expert.

Do all Nursing Home Facilities Accept Medicaid? 

According to estimates, about 80% to 90% of nursing homes accept Medicaid. Though statistics say so, this finding can be misleading as many nursing home units don’t have “Medicaid beds .”Medicaid rooms are rooms, or shared rooms, that a qualified resident will get from Medicaid. 

Many nursing home facilities prefer residents who can make private payments where the family bears the cost from their pocket. The reason is that private residents pay about 30% more for nursing home care than Medicaid pays. 

How to Apply for Medicaid Nursing Home Eligibility?

The Medicaid rules are long and cumbersome. Applying for the same is a tedious process and has multiple processes to follow. 

To go forward, the applicant can apply for Medicaid care through an online process or at a Medicaid office in their state. You must apply for the same only after being sure about your eligibility criteria. You can seek assistance from a Medicaid planner to understand your scope of getting the care expenses. 

Applying for Medicaid is not easy. You will need to do massive paperwork to support your documents, and this may cost you lots of time and energy. 

Over To You:

Though Medicaid is a substantial monetary benefit intended to offer benefits, the Medicaid Nursing Home Eligibility rules are stringent.

At Platinum Benefit Services, we have a team of experts to walk you through every step and help you make your application a success. 

Know The Eligibility Criteria For Assisted Living Benefits for Veterans

As veterans age, they require assistance with daily activities of living like bathing, getting dressed, walking, or using the toilet. Many veterans may have wounds or may suffer from PTSD sustained during their service, which adds stress to the process of aging as time passes. 

Assisted living benefits are intended to provide all types of health assistance for older adults in various levels of caregiving. But these services are expensive and can burden the pocket. To reduce the financial burden on veterans and their families, the VA offers benefits to make long-term care affordable so that eligible people can access it. 

What Constitutes The Assisted Living Benefits for Veterans?

Veterans benefits are a set of programs created by the U.S. government to offer assistance to on-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The benefits include:

Monetary compensation for veterans who became ill or wounded during their service tenure. 

Monthly pension to vets and financial assistance to families of veterans in the time of needs.

Education and job training.

Health care benefits. 

Insurance and home loans.

Eligibility Criteria for the VA Benefits:

To receive the veteran benefits, one must duly fill the form and fulfill the eligibility criteria as listed below: 

Be on duty or previously served in the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard. 

Served for a duration that is required to avail benefits.  

Had an honorable retirement. 

More details to understand if you're eligible for Assisted Living Benefits for Veterans

To qualify for the benefits, you must meet specific eligibility requirements as mentioned below:

You must be at least 65 years old

Served on active duty for at least 90 days, with one day in the war zone. 

Income and assets not more than $150,538 (as of 2023), and that includes a spouse's income or any other source of earning by the applicant. 

Once you qualify for a pension, you may also qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefits, which are given as added benefits for daily living. 

You can avail of V.A. benefits throughout the U.S., and it is wise to get assistance from experts while applying for the same to increase the chances of qualifying for the benefits. 

Over To You:

To receive the V.A. benefits and garner knowledge about other benefits that veterans can receive, contact a local VA expert. You may also enroll in the VA website. However, finding your way through the website can be tiring and confusing. 

Here we come for your quick assistance. Platinum Benefit Services has been serving for over two decades and guiding veterans in their pursuit of old-age benefits under government schemes. To learn more about Assisted Living Benefits for Veterans, navigate to our website and contact us today. 

Medicaid Planning Assistance Elderly – Perks To Work with an Expert

Medicaid, the federal and state government-funded healthcare program, is mainly dedicated to people with limited assets and low income. It has plenty of benefits, but getting qualified for this program is challenging, and many people get disqualified or delayed due to a lack of awareness. In such cases, opting for Medicaid planning assistance elderly would be a great thing that can streamline the process. Here is all about the benefits of one can bag hiring a Medicaid expert for assistance.

Knowledge and Expertise in Medicaid Rules and Regulations:

Medicaid comes with several complex rules and regulations along with eligibility criteria. Navigating them as a whole becomes tough for the applicant. In such conditions, the Medicaid planning assistance elderly service providers assist in navigating through the complex system to identify any potential pitfalls or limitations to eligibility that help maximize the chances of qualifying for the benefits that meet your needs.

Implementing Various Asset Protection Strategies:

Asset protection is another crucial part that Medicaid assistance service providers offer to their clients. One thing is for sure: Medicaid is not for people who have more assets or income than the limitation being mentioned by Medicaid. When people want to avail themselves of Medicaid benefits while protecting their assets, it is important for Medicaid experts to implement several asset protection strategies that can safeguard their assets while making them eligible for long-term care. It helps the elders protect their assets from being depleted by the families due to the high medical cost.

Long-Term Care Planning:

One thing is for sure: each family's requirements vary, and Medicaid planning assistance elderly service providers know this thing very well and formulate individualized plans considering medical requirements, personal preferences, and financial resources that help the applicants to avail maximum benefits while ensuring appropriate care and support. When a long-term care plan is in place, you can be sure that your family's future is secure.

Streamlining the Medicaid Application Process:

Experts who offer Medicaid planning assistance elderly make the Medicaid application streamlined because it is a relief for families that are unfamiliar with its systems. They guide as well as support when necessary to make the application successful, eliminating any delay or rejection chances. From gathering required documents to filling out the forms, they carry out this task easily using their experience and expertise.

Over to you:

Working with Medicaid planning assistance elderly experts can make your application process easier. The expert ensures a successful Medicaid application while securing the assets for the applicant’s family.