As we all age it becomes more difficult to care for ourselves and accomplish the daily tasks that were once so simple. For many, this ultimately leads to a stay in a long-term care facility; however, checking into a long-term care facility isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, all that is really needed is someone to help around the home for a few hours every week for an elderly individual to remain in his or her own home, thereby avoiding the expense of long-term care. If you are elderly and find yourself in that “middle zone” where you aren’t ready for long-term care but are finding it increasingly difficult to remain in your home without help you may be asking “ Can I get Medicaid to help me at home in New York? ” The good news is that the answer may be “yes”.
By now you may be aware that Medicaid is often the best, if not only, option for covering the typically high costs associated with long-term care. While it is certainly advisable to include Medicaid planning in your estate plan in the event you do ultimately need long-term care, you may be able to take advantage of home care benefits offered by the Medicaid program in the State of New York long before you need long-term care.
In the State of New York, Medicaid covers a type of care referred to as “Personal Care Assistance” or PCA. To be eligible for PCA benefits you must first be eligible for Community Medicaid. Eligibility is based on both income/asset limits and medical needs. Because the asset limits are low it is always best to work with an experienced estate planning attorney well in advance to ensure that your estate assets will not prevent you from qualifying for Medicaid when the time comes.
If you do qualify for PCA benefits you may be able to have a Personal Care Aide or Home Attendant come to your home every week to assist you with basic tasks of daily living such as grooming, dressing, cooking and other “unskilled” activities. The number of hours of care you will receive each week will be determined by your local Medicaid office when you apply.
If you have additional questions or concerns about Medicaid planning or estate planning in general, contact the experienced New York estate planning law attorneys at The Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia by calling 800-295-1917 to schedule your appointment.
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