Common Difficulties in Filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly

There are many issues that can arise when it comes to filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly.  Issues can arise from the income and countable asset limits and The Department of Children and families itself.  All of these will be discussed below regarding filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly.

Difficulties in Filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly:

The Department of Children and Families states that the monthly income limit for an individual who is looking to file a Medicaid Application for the Elderly is $2,829.  Any income over this amount must be dealt with in order to obtain eligibility.  In this scenario, something known as a Qualified Income Trust is often used.

Any income above $2,829 plus a recommended buffer is placed into the QIT to artificially lower the applicant’s potential income.  This is completely allowed according to DCF, and allows the applicant to qualify in terms of income is that they can submit a Medicaid Application for the Elderly and still use all the income for health care.  While completely fixable, without expert guidance this can be a real issue.

Another potential difficulty in filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly is the countable asset limit.  It is currently $2,000 for an individual applicant, $3,000 for married joint applicants, and $2,000 for the married applicant and $154,140 for the non-applying spouse.  Without expert guidance, converting excess countable assets to non-countable or exempt assets in an efficient manner that saves the most assets possible while keeping assets liquid and within the family can be essentially impossible.  Failure to preserve and restructure these assets properly can result in a denied Medicaid Application for the Elderly.

Another issue with filing a Medicaid Application for the Elderly is DCF itself.  DCF is overworked and understaffed.  This means that applications are often denied in error or approved incorrectly.  Approved incorrectly means that some facets of the details are wrong and could negatively affect the applicant for whom the Medicaid Application for the Elderly is filed.

What is also frustrating and unfortunate is that DCF is often reluctant to admit their fault, which can delay and even derail the progress of a Medicaid Application for the Elderly.  Cases for applications often have to go to fair hearings and sometimes even something called the District Court of Appeals.  No one trying to obtain care for themselves or a loved one should have to undergo this arduous process.

Conclusion:

Thankfully Platinum Benefit Services specializes in this.  We have obtained over 14,000 approvals over 27 years of service.  We know exactly what needs to be done to get you the results you deserve for yourself or a loved one.  In conjunction with appropriate legal counsel your income and assets will be structured in a way that is advantageous for you and allows you or a loved one to qualify for Medicaid, and we will fight DCF tooth and nail to make sure they do what they are supposed to.  If you want expert guidance in filing your Medicaid Application for the Elderly, contact us today!