Nursing Home Planning Secure Your Family's Future Today

Estate planning can give you the confidence that your family is protected. Dorko Wealth & Estate Planning is here to help.

Berks County Nursing Home Planning Attorney

Helping You Afford the Long-Term Care You Need

If you are concerned about losing your life’s savings or your home to the cost of long-term care, or if someone you love is facing a nursing home stay or is already in a nursing home, Dorko Wealth & Estate Planning can help.

Our firm can help you with the following nursing home financing matters:

Identifying ways for your loved one to receive the care they need, whether it is in their home, a personal care home, or a nursing home
Exploring your family’s payment options including Medicare coverage, long-term care insurance, Veteran’s benefits, private payment, and Medicaid
Developing a plan to protect your family’s assets and qualify your loved one for Medicaid as quickly as possible without having to “spend-down” to $8,000
Protecting most or all of the assets of a healthy spouse still living at home using planning tools such as a Medicaid Qualifying Annuity or commonly misunderstood community spouse protections
Ensuring the home is protected from a Medicaid Estate Recovery claim

Learn more by scheduling a phone consultation with us! Get in touch today by calling (610) 957-0018 or by contacting us online.

Planning for Sheltering Assets

Nursing homes now cost over $400 per day, or in excess of $146,000 per year. Medicare only pays nursing home costs in limited situations – even in those cases, only as many as 100 days are covered.

Medicaid – or Medical Assistance as it is called in Pennsylvania – does pay nursing home costs. However, Medicaid is a joint federal-state program for the financially needy. Therefore, there are certain maximum asset levels that the person must “spend-down” to before they will qualify for Medicaid.

Medicaid law is extremely complex and can have many pitfalls for those not familiar with it. There are also significant opportunities to legally protect assets from nursing home costs for those well-versed in the Medicaid law.

We have helped hundreds of families navigate this maze. Our team can explain the law and how it applies to your situation. We will present you with the options available to you or your family to legally shelter your hard-earned savings.

Navigate Long-Term Care Benefits with Confidence and Ease

Navigating the complexities of Medicaid and long-term care benefits can be overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys at Dorko Wealth & Estate Planning are here to simplify the process for you. We can help you understand how Medicaid works, the eligibility requirements, and how to apply for benefits that can cover your long-term care needs.

Medicaid is a vital resource for many individuals facing long-term care challenges, but it's essential to plan ahead.

Here are some key points to consider:

Eligibility Criteria: Learn about the financial and medical requirements necessary to qualify for Medicaid assistance.
Asset Protection: Discover strategies to protect your assets while still gaining access to long-term care benefits.
Application Process: Get guidance on how to navigate the often-complicated application process to ensure a smoother experience.
Appeals and Denials: Understand your rights and options if your Medicaid application is denied.
Ongoing Support: Benefit from our continuous support as your circumstances change, ensuring your long-term care plan remains effective.

At Dorko Wealth & Estate Planning, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality long-term care without the burden of financial stress. Let us help you create a comprehensive plan that safeguards your future and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

When Should I Begin Planning For Long-Term Care?

Planning for long-term care is an essential aspect of securing your future, and it's never too early to start. At Dorko Wealth & Estate Planning, we recommend beginning the planning process as soon as possible. Early planning provides you with a broader range of options for asset protection and can increase your eligibility for benefits such as Medicaid. Starting early also allows you to make informed decisions about your care preferences and financial strategies, ensuring you maintain control over your assets and healthcare decisions.

Engaging with a Berks County nursing home planning attorney early in the process is crucial. An experienced attorney at our firm can tailor a long-term care plan to fit your unique needs, considering factors like your financial situation, health status, and family dynamics. By planning ahead, you can alleviate the financial and emotional burdens on yourself and your loved ones, providing peace of mind and knowing that you are prepared for the future.

Don't wait for a crisis to start planning. Contact Dorko Wealth & Estate Planning to explore your options and develop a comprehensive strategy that safeguards your assets and ensures you receive the care you deserve.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for Medicaid in Berks County?

To qualify for Medicaid in Berks County, applicants must meet specific financial and medical criteria. Financially, individuals must have limited income and assets, which means they need to spend down their resources to meet the eligibility threshold. The medical requirement typically involves needing assistance with daily living activities or being in a nursing home. It's essential to understand these criteria thoroughly, as they can be complex.

How can I protect my assets while applying for long-term care benefits?

Protecting your assets while applying for long-term care benefits is crucial to ensure you do not lose your hard-earned savings. There are various strategies available, such as utilizing Medicaid Qualifying Annuities or understanding community spouse protections. These tools can help shield your assets from being depleted by nursing home costs. Our firm can work with you to develop a tailored plan that aligns with your financial situation and long-term care needs.

What should I do if my Medicaid application is denied?

If your Medicaid application is denied, it’s important to understand that you have rights and options for appeal. The denial may stem from various reasons, such as not meeting eligibility criteria or missing documentation. Our team can assist you in reviewing the denial notice, identifying the reasons for the denial, and preparing a strong appeal. We will guide you through the process and work hard to give you a chance of overturning the decision and securing the benefits you need for long-term care.

What services does a nursing home planning attorney provide?

A nursing home planning attorney offers a variety of services designed to help families navigate the complexities of long-term care financing. These services include assessing your financial situation, exploring payment options like Medicare and Medicaid, and developing strategies to protect your assets. Additionally, they can assist with the application process for Medicaid, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.

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Mr. Dorko’s professional, knowledgeable, and caring manner made this painful transition easier for our family.

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Nursing Home Planning

Dorko Wealth & Estate Planning's Case Results

Successful Transfer of Ownership Business & Farm Ownership Transfer
In numerous cases, Jeff has helped people create plans to not only transfer clients' businesses or farms to the next generation, but also eliminate dissension in the family by providing for family members not involved in the original family enterprise.
Revised Property and Investment Plan for Trust Family Cottage Trust
Assisted a client who owned a cottage in Maine in establishing a family cottage trust, allowing their children to continue using and enjoying the cottage after their parents' death without any obligation to pay for the cost. The client also revised their investment plan, making funds available for the remainder of their grandchildren's lives, as well.
Wealth Transferred to Children & Grandchildren Family Limited Partnership
Assisted a client for over 25 years to sell off her portfolio of undeveloped real estate. This allowed her to transfer a substantial part of her wealth to her children and grandchildren through a family limited partnership. By doing so, she not only paid for college for all of her grandchildren but also developed strong bonds with them through annual family vacations.

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