Unfortunately, there may come a day when a parent or other loved one suffers an illness or injury that leaves them unable to care for themselves without assistance. While it may not happen to everyone, if that time does come for you, you should consider a Missouri guardianship. Here are six important facts about Missouri guardianship that can make the decision easier.No. 1 - A guardianship is established through the courtCreating a Missouri guardianship requires a formal court procedure. … [Read more...]
Medicaid Lawyer Discusses a Medicaid Compliant Annuity
Far too many people believe that they can simply transfer or give away their property to someone else, before applying for Medicaid benefits. The truth is, if you do that at any time within five years of submitting your Medicaid application, a period of ineligibility will likely be imposed. In other words, as your estate planning lawyer will tell you, you cannot receive any benefits until that period is over. With proper planning, you can retain control of your assets and still qualify under … [Read more...]
Understanding How Fraud Violates Medicaid Law
The unfortunate reality is that Medicaid fraud and abuse, which violates Medicaid law, does happen and it costs billions of dollars each year in diverted funds that should have been used for legitimate health care services. Because of the fraud and abuse, the cost of Medicaid is higher, as is the risk of harm to patients who are unwittingly exposed to unnecessary medical procedures.Medicaid fraud and Medicaid abuseMedicaid fraud happens when someone knowingly misrepresents the truth in order … [Read more...]
Medicaid Attorney Answers Important Questions
Because of the similarities between the two benefits programs, Medicaid and Medicare, many people are confused and have questions about eligibility and benefits. Your Medicaid attorney can answer your questions and alleviate your concerns. Although they are both established by the federal government and both provide healthcare-related services, there are some major differences between Medicaid and Medicare. The primary difference is that Medicaid is state-run, whereas Medicare is entirely … [Read more...]
How to Handle the Hard Elder Law Issues
If you believe your parent or loved one is exhibiting signs of diminished mental capacity, then you may need to start considering how to help them take care of their affairs. Some common signs are memory loss or disorientation. If you notice these signs or any others, you may need to take action. Having a plan is the wisest thing to do because, as your Kansas City elder law attorney, we can tell you there will likely be some hard issues ahead. But, we can help.How to start the incapacity … [Read more...]
Elder Law Attorney Dispels Common Myths
When Kansas City residents consider creating an elder law plan or need answers to elder law questions, there are certain myths that usually become an issue. The reason there are misconceptions regarding elder law is that most people are not familiar with this particular area of the law. In this article, we will dispel many of the common myths regarding elder law issues.Spouses are not always automatically authorized to handle each other's affairsA common fallacy is that spouses will … [Read more...]
Knowing when it’s Time for a Guardianship
If you are caring for a senior in Missouri and you notice a change in behavior or ability to complete daily tasks, it may be time to consider establishing a Missouri guardianship. Some common signs that your loved one may need formal assistance include trouble remembering to take medication or pay bills and disorientation. Planning for the possibility that you will need a guardianship is always preferable to frantically searching for a solution after your loved one has become legally … [Read more...]
The Differences between Medicaid and Medicare
Many clients have questions about Medicaid and Medicare, often confusing the two benefits programs. Although they are both established by the federal government and both provide healthcare-related services, there are some major differences between Medicaid and Medicare. The primary difference is that Medicaid is state-run, whereas Medicare is entirely federal. Missouri Medicaid provides coverage for eligible individuals who meet the needs-based requirements.What is Medicaid?Medicaid is an … [Read more...]
The Facts about Missouri Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid is an assistance program that provides healthcare benefits to individuals with limited assets. Federal, state and local taxes are used to fund this program and those funds are used to help eligible individuals pay their medical expenses. In most cases, Medicaid recipients are not required to pay anything for covered medical expenses, with the exception of a small co-payment. Many clients have questions about Missouri Medicaid eligibility. Here is what you need to know.Other … [Read more...]
What the Medicaid Law Says about Medicaid Fraud
The unfortunate reality is that Medicaid fraud and abuse exists and it potentially costs billions of dollars each year in diverted funds that should have been used for legitimate health care services. Because of the fraud and abuse, the cost of Medicaid is unnecessarily increased, as is the risk of harm to patients who are unwittingly exposed to unnecessary medical procedures.What is Medicaid fraud and abuse?Medicaid fraud occurs when someone knowingly misrepresents the truth in order to … [Read more...]
