Southeastern Massachusetts Long Term Care Planning Attorney

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Long Term Care Planning Lawyer Helping Residents in New Bedford, Easton & Hyannis

While people today are living longer into their retirement years, aging also brings difficult healthcare challenges, which makes long-term care planning essential. Give the fact that the cost of care at a skilled nursing facility can quickly deplete your savings, it is essential to have a plan that will preserve your wealth. The best way to protect yourself, your assets and your loved ones is to consult a trustworthy long-term care planning attorney.

Surprenant and Beneski, P.C., a premier elder law and estate planning practice serving clients in Massachusetts, provides advice and guidance on long-term care planning strategies to elders and their families. If you are concerned about whether you can remain in your home, find an acceptable skilled nursing facility, or how you will pay for long-term care, we can help. 

Above all, we will work closely with you to make sure you future financial medical and financial needs will be met. Our long-term care planning services include:

  • Incapacity Planning
  • Qualifying for public benefits (e.g. MassHealth)
  • Finding the right nursing home 
  • Arranging for home care
  • Guardianships/conservatorships
  • Asset protection

Without a long-term care plan, your independence and your assets may be at risk. When you consult us, we will work to protect your legal rights so that you can enjoy your golden years. 

Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Long-Term Care?

Generally, Medicare does not cover the cost of long-term care at an assisted living facility or nursing home and only pays for limited services on a short-term basis. Moreover, Medicare does not cover non-skilled home care (e.g. dressing, feeding, light housekeeping) that many elders require. This is why it is crucial to work with the long-term care planning attorneys at Surprenant and Beneski, P.C. 

What is long-term care insurance?

Long-term care insurance provides coverage for personal and custodial care, whether at home or at an assisted living facility or nursing home. This type of insurance also covers a certain amount of non-skilled home care. Unfortunately, long-term care coverage may not be available to those with certain pre-existing conditions. It is also important to note that premiums are expensive and are based on a number of factors. These include your age, the maximum number of days or years covered, as well as the maximum amount per day the policy covers. Our long-term care planning attorneys will help you to determine whether long-term care insurance is a viable option for you.

Medicaid Planning

Medicaid (MassHealth) is the largest payer of nursing home care in the country, however, the program is means-tested and your income and resources may exceed the eligibility threshold.  

Our experienced Medicaid planning attorneys can help you qualify for MassHealth through strategies such as spousal income and asset transfers and annuities. We are knowledgeable in Massachusetts-specific Medicaid programs such as Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid, Medicaid Waivers, and Home and Community-Based Services.

Incapacity Planning

While no one likes to consider the possibility of becoming incapacitated, planning your finances and healthcare in the event you are unable to make decisions is the responsible thing to do. Our long-term care planning attorneys can help you put in place the necessary incapacity planning documents, which include: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy, and a living will. Without these documents in place, your loved ones may need to ask the court for permission to manage your affairs and make healthcare decisions on your behalf. This can be an overwhelming burden, especially if an illness or medical emergency renders you incapacitated. 

The best way to protect yourself, your assets and your loved ones is to work with our dedicated legal team.

Contact Our Southeastern Massachusetts Long-Term Care Planning Attorneys

At Surprenant and Beneski, P.C., we will help you explore all of your long-term care planning options so that you can maintain your independence. Our elder law attorneys are keenly aware that facing the challenges of aging can be daunting for you and your family. We will offer you knowledge, compassion, and exceptional personal service. Please contact our office to speak with our long-term care planning attorneys.