Elder Law has become a specialty arm of the legal profession due to the increasing aging population in the US. The number of senior citizens and average lifespan continue to rise every year. In 2015, there were almost 48 million citizens that were above the age of 65 in the US, and it is estimated that this number will grow to about 98 million by the year 2060. As we progress further in age, there will be a host of health-related issues too. While having support from friends and family can be very helpful, having an elder law attorney who can represent and assist your loved ones can be a useful investment. In this guide, we walk you through three areas of expertise that elder law attorneys specialize in.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for individuals above the age of 65. It is a benefit the government provides, however, the procedure to enroll in the program can be confusing and tedious. An elderly law attorney can be useful in such situations when you or your loved ones are looking to file for Medicare claims or appeals. There are four types of Medicare coverage. Part A covers any hospital stay, skilled nursing facility, or hospice care. Part B covers specific services provided by doctors, medical supplies, preventative services, and outpatient care. Also known as Medicare Advantage Plans, Part C are insurance plans offered by Medicare-approved private companies that cover your Part A and B benefits. Lastly, Part D is the coverage plan for drug prescriptions.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal healthcare program for children, pregnant women, the elderly, low-income adults, as well as individuals with disabilities. Eligible recipients can receive healthcare benefits from both Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid benefits are awarded based on the applicant’s resources and income. On top of paying for the applicants’ out-of-pocket medical expenses and healthcare premiums, Medicaid also helps to cover custodial care and long-term nursing home expenses. However, to use Medicaid for nursing home expenses, the application must be successfully submitted to the state that the applicant will be residing in. It can even require extensive planning to qualify for Medicaid. An elder law attorney will be able to assist you during this process.
Long-Term Care
For many, long-term care is an expensive necessity. During our retirement, we all wish to retain our independence and stay in our own homes. However, at some point, most of us may have to move in with our family, live in a nursing home, or reside in a senior living community. With the assistance of an elder law attorney, planning for that stage can help the transition to become easier.
Senior Living Accommodations at Discovery Senior Living
If you are looking to reside in a senior living community due to various concerns such as health, elder law attorneys can help you to plan for the most suitable financial arrangements. Here at Discover Senior Living, our community staff can also assist you with any concerns or queries you may have about staying in senior living communities. We provide an array of senior living options for your loved ones to reside in and be cared for by our team of health professionals, whilst retaining independence.
