Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys

With so many different types of attorneys out there, with different specialties, you may be wondering whether an elder law attorney is the type of attorney you need for your specific legal issues.  An elder law attorney primarily handles issues relating to seniors.  This can include nursing home issues, estate planning, and guardianships, just to name a few. So, when would you need an elder law attorney?The training and experience of an elder law attorneyElder law attorneys receive special … [Read more...]

The unfortunate reality is that Medicaid fraud and abuse exist and they cost 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. However, with proper Overland Park Medicaid planning, you can avoid many of the transactions that appear to be fraudulent.What are … [Read more...]

Simply because you do not have any apparent health problems right now does not mean long-term health care could not be a necessity in the future. In truth, no one can really predict the need for Medicaid, so it is a good idea to discuss the potential need with one of our Kansas City Medicaid lawyers.You cannot predict an unforeseen illnessIt is not uncommon for people to find themselves unexpectedly sick or injured. Those illnesses or injuries could possibly result in a need for long-term … [Read more...]

The purpose of the MO HealthNet (Medicaid) program is to provide medical services to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements. Those requirements have been established by the Family Support Division (FSD). The goals of the MO HealthNet program are “to promote good health, to prevent illness and premature death, to correct or limit disability, to treat illness, and to provide rehabilitation to persons with disabilities.”What is Medicaid in general?Medicaid is a medical … [Read more...]

Medicaid fraud and abuse costs billions of dollars every 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. The story of a Kansas City doctor sent to prison for health care fraud reminds us to be vigilant when it comes Medicaid fraud.Former doctor, Wayne Williamson, imprisoned for the second timeA … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]