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Medicaid is a federal and state program administered by the state that covers the majority of an individual's long-term care costs in a skilled nursing home. How do I know if one will qualify for Medicaid benefits? Individuals applying for Medicaid must meet strict financial criteria. Generally, a person can have no more than $2,000, a small amount of life insurance, a prepaid funeral, a burial account worth approximately $1,500 (this amount supplements the prepaid funeral), and a car. His or her income must be less than the cost of the private rate of care. Once qualified for benefits, monthly income (such as social security) is paid to the nursing home, less small deductions for a personal needs account and the premium on a Medicare supplemental plan. The rules are much more complex if the individual has a spouse at home. Is it difficult to apply for Medicaid? In a word, yes. There is an extensive amount of information requested by the Medicaid intake office. Medicaid can require up to 5 years of bank statements, copies of all financial transactions, explanations concerning any transfers made during that time period, and copies of legal instruments, such as trusts. Failure to comply with requests for information could lead to loss of coverage or denial of benefits. It is not unusual for an application to take 3 - 4 months to complete. With complications, it could stretch to 6 - 9 months or require the filing of an entirely new application. Is Medi-Services a law firm? No. We process Medicaid applications and work with families to answer questions presented by Medicaid intake workers. It is your right to obtain independent counsel to answer a question about a legal matter. Will field representatives actually go to the bank and search for documents? Generally, no. We will, however, help you obtain documents. This includes securing proper information such as a power of attorney. What if the application is rejected? The overwhelming percentage of applications submitted through Medi-Services is approved on a timely basis. Generally, applications are not "rejected" in a traditional sense. Medicaid may request additional information or question transfers or the use of a trust. These matters are brought to your attention prior to submitting the application or immediately upon notification by Medicaid. We will notify you of what rights you have and work with you and/or your attorney to obtain eligibility if Medicaid is not satisfied with the additional information. Will your field representative go to an appeal if one is necessary? For an additional charge of $300.00 our personnel will attend an appeal hearing. However, we do not give legal advice and it is strongly recommended that you secure counsel. An appeal is the result of a rejection generally based on transfers, incomplete information, and/or the use of trusts. Generally, the flat fee is non-refundable. However, Medi-Services will review the circumstances and may make an appropriate adjustment. Does Medi-Services have malpractice insurance? Yes. We have a $1,000,000 errors and omissions policy. How do I get started? Simply fill in the intake form . It can also be printed and faxed to 1-617-969-2406. Or, call us toll free at (888) 500 - 6334. What if I have an attorney? Medi-Services will work with your attorney in the proccessing of the Medicaid application only. Who does Medi-Services represent? If hired by you, our obligation is to represent your interests only. There may be a situation where we also assist the nursing home where the patient resides. In that case, we will make full disclosure to you and the facility. Consumers: About
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