Residents of New Jersey who are getting older are likely aware that they need to start estate planning. However, many people believe that estate planning is merely making plans that are not going to be put into effect until after the individual’s death. However, where assisted living is concerned you may want to consider estate planning in a more immediate light. For instance, many people believe that they can use Medicare to help them pay for assisted living. However, according to A Place For Mom, Medicare funds cannot be used for this purpose.
Essentially, Medicare will not help you pay for any sort of long-term care. The only time that Medicare will assist is if your doctor prescribes care for you in the immediate aftermath of an illness or an injury. If you are simply looking for assistance with everyday tasks, Medicare will not help you pay. Medicare will also help you pay for hospice care at the end of your life, but, again, this must be prescribed by a doctor.
On the other hand, Medicaid will help individuals who are below a certain income threshold. You will need to meet the income requirements, be a resident in the state that you are receiving benefits in, and be a US citizen to receive Medicaid assistance.
Make sure that you consider your potential assisted living needs when you are estate planning. There are many ways that individuals fund their assisted living needs. Many people will sell off property when it becomes time to consider assisted living. Other potential avenues of revenue include veterans benefits and purchasing long-term care insurance.
