Elder Law Care

• What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
• If I have Medicare, do I automatically have Medicaid?
• Are my children responsible for my debts when I die?

Answers:
Medicare and Medicaid are two totally different programs. Medicare is a federally funded and federally distributed catastrophic health insurance program which comes into play to everyone automatically when they reach the age of 65. At age 65 Medicare becomes the primary health insurance carrier and any other carrier becomes a secondary carrier. Medicaid is a federally created, and state administered program that provides health insurance to low-income children, seniors and people with disabilities. In addition, it covers care in a nursing home for those who qualify.

If you have Medicare, you do not automatically have Medicaid. In order to be eligible for Medicaid benefits, you must qualify for them. The State of Michigan identifies several qualifiers that must be met before qualifying for nursing home coverage through Medicaid. The laws are constantly changing – it is important that you seek assistance from a qualified attorney that specializes in Medicaid Planning in order to protect assets for you and your family.

As a general rule, your children are not responsible for your debts when you die, unless they have signed an agreement to be responsible. Again, the importance of planning and seeking expert legal advice before adding children’s names to any document or asset is imperative.

What makes our firm qualified to help you?

• Estate and Medicaid planning for over 30 years
• Over 8,000 Living Trusts prepared
• A staff of experts with experience in Medicaid Planning
• Extensive experience in Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning and Elder Law Care
• Members of: National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys