As we age or face unexpected disabilities, the need for long-term care becomes an increasingly pressing concern. For many Massachusetts residents, MassHealth (the state’s Medicaid program) offers a crucial lifeline to afford necessary medical care and support services. However, dealing with the complex world of MassHealth eligibility and planning can be overwhelming. That’s where Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. comes in.
Our team of experienced elder law attorneys, led by certified elder law attorneys Daniel Surprenant and Michelle Beneski, is dedicated to helping seniors and disabled individuals across Southeastern Massachusetts access the care they need while protecting their hard-earned assets. We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we approach MassHealth planning with the same personalized attention and care that defines all of our legal services.
What Is MassHealth?
MassHealth is Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, providing health coverage to eligible low-income residents. For seniors and disabled individuals, MassHealth can be a vital resource for covering the high costs of long-term care, whether in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or through home-based services.
However, MassHealth has strict financial eligibility requirements. To qualify, applicants must have limited income and assets. This is where strategic planning becomes essential. Without proper guidance, many individuals find themselves spending down their life savings or selling cherished assets to become eligible for MassHealth benefits.
The Importance of Early Planning
One of the most critical aspects of MassHealth planning is timing. Many people make the mistake of waiting until they or a loved one needs immediate long-term care before considering their options. However, early planning can make a significant difference in preserving assets and ensuring MassHealth eligibility when the time comes.
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we encourage our clients to think proactively about MassHealth planning. By starting the process well before the need for long-term care arises, we can implement strategies that protect assets while still ensuring future eligibility for benefits. This approach not only provides peace of mind but also allows for a wider range of options and potentially greater asset protection.
Our Comprehensive Approach to MassHealth Planning
When you work with Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. for MassHealth planning, you benefit from our deep understanding of both state and federal regulations. We stay up-to-date on the latest changes in MassHealth rules and use this knowledge to develop tailored strategies for each client. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Asset Protection Strategies
We help clients structure their assets in ways that comply with MassHealth regulations while preserving resources for their spouses, children, or other beneficiaries. This may involve the use of trusts, strategic gifting, or converting countable assets into exempt assets.
Income Planning
We work to ensure that our clients’ income falls within MassHealth eligibility limits while maximizing the resources available for their care and support.
Application Assistance
Our team guides clients through every step of the MassHealth application process, ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays or denials.
Spend-Down Planning
For clients who need to reduce their assets to qualify for MassHealth, we develop strategic spend-down plans that align with their personal goals and values without triggering MassHealth’s five-year lookback provisions.
Spousal Protection
We help married couples navigate the complex rules surrounding spousal impoverishment protection, ensuring that the healthy spouse retains sufficient resources to maintain their quality of life.
Long-Term Care Insurance Analysis
For clients who have long-term care insurance, we review policies and incorporate them into the overall MassHealth planning strategy.
Special Needs Planning
We have extensive experience in planning for individuals with disabilities, including the use of special needs trusts to preserve eligibility for government benefits.
Addressing Common Concerns
Many of our clients come to us with similar worries and misconceptions about MassHealth planning. Some fear that they’ll have to give up all their assets or that their spouse will be left impoverished. Others believe it’s too late to plan if they or a loved one already needs care.
At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we’ll listen to these concerns and provide clear, honest answers. We’ll explain how MassHealth rules actually work and outline the many legal strategies available to protect assets and provide for loved ones. Our goal is to empower our clients with knowledge and options, alleviating their fears and helping them make informed decisions about their future.
The Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. Difference
What sets our MassHealth planning services apart is our commitment to holistic, client-centered care. We don’t just look at the numbers; we consider each client’s unique family dynamics, personal values, and long-term goals. Our attorneys work closely with clients to understand their wishes and concerns, ensuring that our MassHealth planning strategies align with their broader estate planning and elder care objectives.
Moreover, our deep roots in Southeastern Massachusetts mean we have a thorough understanding of local care options and resources. We can help clients not only plan for MassHealth eligibility but also connect them with high-quality care providers and support services in their community.
Continuing Support and Guidance
MassHealth planning isn’t a one-time event. Regulations change, personal circumstances evolve, and new challenges can arise. That’s why we view our relationship with clients as an ongoing partnership. After implementing a MassHealth plan, we remain available to answer questions, make adjustments as needed, and provide support throughout the application process and beyond.
For clients who are already receiving MassHealth benefits, we offer assistance with annual redeterminations and can help address any issues that may arise with ongoing eligibility.
Taking the Next Step
If you or a loved one are concerned about affording long-term care or preserving assets while qualifying for MassHealth, don’t wait to seek guidance. The earlier you begin planning, the more options you’ll have available. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we’re ready to explain the complexities of MassHealth planning with compassion, specialized knowledge, and dedication.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced elder law attorneys. Let us help you secure the care you need while protecting the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build.