Monday, November 22, 2010

Compare VA to Medicaid

If you need help paying for long-term care should you consider the Medicaid or the Veterans Administration programs?  In earlier blogs the details of the programs were covered.  Here is a chart to summarize the high points of the two programs.

COMPARE VA TO MEDICAID

Basic Comparison Points for

Medicaid Institutional Benefit vs. Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit

For the State of Idaho

 

Issue

Aid and Attendance (A&A)

Medicaid Institutional

Asset Test for a Single Person

The person can keep ….

Note:  There are other assets allowed, the information presented here is general.

 [Other assets include cash, CDs, investments, 2nd home, 2nd car, etc.]

House unlimited value

Car unlimited value

Stuff

Prepaid irrevocable funeral

Other assets no fixed number, but anticipate below $40,000

House with maximum value of $750,000

Car unlimited value

Stuff

Prepaid irrevocable funeral

Other assets $2,000

Asset Test for a Couple

The healthy spouse can keep…

Note:  There are other assets allowed, the information presented here is general.

House unlimited value

Car unlimited value

Stuff

Prepaid irrevocable funeral

Other assets no fixed number, but anticipate below $40,000

House unlimited value

Car unlimited value

Stuff

Prepaid irrevocable funeral for both

One-half of the Other assets

But no less than $23,912 and no more than $111,560.

Penalty for transfer of assets?

No

Yes – 5 Year look back

Joint accounts/asset attributed all to Applicant.

No. Split among joint account/title holders not in household.

Yes.

Cash benefit?

Yes  2010 levels are

Single Vet  $1644 

Married Vet $1949

Widow of Vet $1056

No. Pays for medical services, doe not give cash to recipient.

Pays NH costs in full?

No. VA A&A is a fixed payment amount. This is cash to the recipient, If A&A recipient goes on Medicaid the VA benefit reduced to $90.

Yes. Minus cost share. Cost of share is usually the social security and pension income of the Medicaid recipient. 

Attorney Fees

Cannot charge to do application, other limitations, read the rules.

Can charge for all services.

Certifications required to represent as attorney?

Yes.

No.

P.S.  Barbara and I were gone last week to a conference for law offices who use Apple computers.  We were amazed how many attorneys think outside the box and have come up with creative ways to use computers in their office and the courtroom.  We plan to use some of the ideas to enhance the services we offer out clients.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.  I'll enjoy cooking for friends and making pumpkin and apple pie for desserts.
 

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