It can be overwhelming when someone you care about needs long term care. There is so much material and information online about long term care. The internet can make everything look so simple. This includes the Medicaid Application Process. It may seem as though you can easily take care of everything yourself. It would be nice to be able to guide your loved one through qualifying and applying for Medicaid. However, the reality is that even if you make the smallest mistake, your loved one could end up facing penalties and at worst, never be able to attempt to qualify for Medicaid again. You should always seek qualified counsel when applying for  Medicaid.

Recently, people have been reaching out to individuals who present themselves as “Medicaid Specialists.” They claim that they can help you apply for Medicaid, inexpensively and effectively. Consulting with a “Medicaid Specialist” may sound like a good idea because it will save you and your loved one some money and time, but it could also end up costing you much more than expected in the long run. When it comes to your elderly loved ones and their care, you should always seek help from a qualified lawyer instead, and here is why:

• Qualifying for Medicaid is not as easy as it seems. Most “Medicaid Specialists” only know what is required to fill out a form and may know what your local regional office requires as far as documentation goes. But you need someone who understands what is allowed and what is not allowed. In addition to the basic guidelines, an experienced Elder Law Attorney can give you advice about other strategies that provide the best possible outcome for your loved one.
• Experienced Elder Law Attorneys can share with you ways that your loved one could pay for nursing home care instead of having to stay in a nursing home. They can give advice to protect assets. Most “Specialists” won’t be able to tell you that.
• Attorneys are trained to be your advocate. They don’t just tell you how to answer questions on a form. They help you, make your life easier and look for ways to save you money.

When it comes to your loved one’s long term care, you should always consult with an experienced Elder Law Attorney first. A “Medicaid Specialist” will help you fill out the application, but an elder law attorney will tell you how to protect your money, your assets, and your sanity.