Three weeks ago (on Friday the 13th no less), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) unleashed new Medicaid rules. The rules came about because of the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 (called “the DRA”). The name should clue you in to the fact that the proposed rules aren’t designed to improve care, just to reduce spending.
With the increase in life expectancies and rise in disabling conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, extended stays in long-term care facilities are more and more common. And the result is thousands of seniors and their families facing what are often crippling long-term care bills. What is so sad is that many families don’t know that help is available from Medicaid.
The Medicaid eligibility rules are tough, but it is not something you should think of as “only for the poor.” Seniors frequently qualify for Medicaid while protecting thousands of dollars in assets for themselves, their spouses, or their families. Smart planning makes all the difference because it helps pay for many “extras” that Medicaid and Medicare do not cover. I am passionate about helping families escape from that feeling of hopelessness every time the long-term care bill comes.
The rules HFS announced are not the final rules. There is still a period for public comment and changes. But they do give us an inside look into the direction Illinois is heading with its implementation of the DRA guidelines.
There are a few important things to take away from the proposed rules:
- Crisis planning to protect assets and qualify for Medicaid will still be possible
- Advance Medicaid planning will become even more valuable to protect your hard-earned assets (best for people who are completely healthy but looking forward 6-10 years)
- Medicaid will be giving additional asset protection advantages to people who have long-term care insurance in place, making the insurance doubly useful (but it has to be the right kind of policy, not just any old policy will do!)
As the rules move through the process, I will keep you updated about any developments. But consider this your “heads up” that changes are on the way!
The good news is that there’s still time to get an application in under the current Medicaid rules. So if you know anyone who is in a long-term care facility or think may need assistance soon, tell them to call my office. We may be able to help.
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