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Guidance and news from the senior care industry

What Does Medicaid Allow for Funeral Expenses?

Medicaid allows up to $15,000, in most states, to be funded into an irrevocable funeral expense trust for funeral expenses. The funeral expenses can include the following: Funeral home fees Musicians for service Headstone Death Certificate Hearse Cemetery Fees Burial Plot Casket Flowers (will vary based on state)

How to Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs

Paying for long-term nursing home care can drain anyone's nest egg but is it a necessary evil in order to receive the care you need? No. There are options out there to help pay for care without going broke - and we can help you explore them.

How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost in 2022?

One of the biggest shocks for seniors planning for their long-term care is how expensive care facilities can be. At-home care and assisted living costs vary depending on the level of care required, but nursing homes are usually the most expensive since they provide hands-on, round-the clock care. Here's what to expect when it comes to nursing home costs in 2022.

What is the Medicaid Lookback Period?

If someone you love is in need of senior care or long term care, and you're helping them apply for Medicaid eligibility, then you'll likely come across the term “look back period”. The lookback period is an extremely important term that can help you understand how to avoid steep financial penalties.

What are Countable Assets and How Do I Spend Them Down?

An aging adult applying for Medicaid may realize they have many assets but they don't know which assets Medicaid will count and which will be uncountable. Countable assets become important as a long-term care Medicaid applicant attempts to spend down these assets to receive benefits.

How to Choose a Nursing Home: Features to Consider

If you've decided it's time to move your loved one into a nursing home, you'll want to keep an eye out for certain features to make sure your loved one is cared for appropriately. However, you'll also want to make sure to look for any red flags, too.

What is the Asset Limit for Medicaid?

The asset limit for Medicaid is around $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple where both spouses are receiving care. However, some states have different allowances. The healthy spouse of a Medicaid applicant can keep a separate allowance between about $30,000 and $145,000 in most states.

Spend Down Ideas and Strategies for Medicaid Eligibility

An applicant is only allowed so many assets to qualify for Medicaid coverage but recklessly spending down your assets can lead to a lengthy penalty period.