Filling out a Michigan Medicaid Application for Nursing home care can be a difficult process. It’s not different than filling out an application for any other governmental benefit, like VA Benefits. It’s a real pain in the butt. In addition to the actual Medicaid application, there is a whole slew of other documents that are needed to support the Medicaid application for nursing home care.
Hire a Medicaid Planning Lawyer
Having a Certified Elder Law Attorney on your side makes the process of filing for nursing home medicaid so much easier. There are many pitfalls for those unaware. If the nursing home Medicaid application isn’t completed properly then your loved one could either be turned down for Medicaid or sacrifice assets that wouldn’t need to be spent down if working with an elder law attorney who is an expert on Michigan Medicaid planning.
What’s Required to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan
There really are only two things necessary to apply for Medicaid in Michigan. First you need to fill out the actual Medicaid application. Next you need to provide documentation to verify general and financial requirements.
Sounds simple, right? If only it was that easy. There is an art and science to putting together a Medicaid application that is accepted by the Department of Human Services (DHS)
Once you’re found eligible medically for nursing home Medicaid, then you must pass the financial asset test as well. For a single individual you can only have $2,000 in countable assets to qualify for Medicaid. A Michigan elder law attorney can help you protect more than the $2,000 through proper Medicaid planning.
Some of the documents DHS may ask to help prove financial eligibility include current tax bills, real estate appraisal, copies of mortgage, bank statements and even bank statements from the previous 5 years.
Married Couples Qualifying for Medicaid
If you’re married and have a loved one in a nursing home and you’re looking to qualify for Medicaid, you will also need to provide a snapshot of your assets upon first entering the hospital or nursing home. This can help establish how much the community spouse may be able to protect with the help of a Medicaid planning elder law.
Medicaid Planning is Not a Do-It-Yourself Project
It is important to hire a Michigan Medicaid planning lawyer if you’re completing a Medicaid application because there are many dangers to watch out for an opportunities that can be missed.
If you need help with Medicaid for a loved on in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne or Livingston county, contact our office and we’ll be able to offer expert assistance as one of a handful of Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) in all of Michigan.
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