Rhode Island Medicaid Planning

Medicaid planning in Rhode Island, as in other states, is most often defined by the events that bring the individual to the planner. That is, crisis planning and advance planning. Crisis planning takes place when a loved one is placed in a nursing home and the family scrambles, maybe even in shock, to figure out how they will pay for it. Advance planning takes place when individuals decide to address possible long term care expenses before a crisis develops. There are many benefits to planning ahead because you may never know when an accident or crisis will happen. For example, there are earthquakes in San Francisco; everyone should purchase an emergency kit for their homes so they can be prepared for natural disasters. Thinking about long term care will safeguard you and your family.

Medicaid planning is conducted with the help of an RI elder laws attorney, and individuals should not rely upon the advice of any attorney who does not specialize in this area. RI Medicaid planning rules are complex and they change often. The implementation of the rules is fraught with significant financial and tax issues. Many, many people send more than they need to on nursing home expenses relying on incorrect advice.

It is surprising that most people believe that they have some control and decision making capability over an admission to a nursing home. In reality, no one chooses to live their last days in a nursing home. That decision is made for them by events such as falls, broken hips, stroke and dementia.

Individuals can decide to engage in advance planning, and certain medical conditions should serve to move them quickly to competent and comprehensive planners. For instance a diagnosis of dementia or Parkinson Disease should send a person to a planner without delay or procrastination.

If you are looking for an elder law attorney to assist you with Rhode Island Medicaid planning, a good place to start is with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). NAELA is a national organization that provides support and advocacy for elder law attorneys. Although membership in NAELA does not guarantee that the attorney specializes, it is a good starting point. As Rhode Island does not have a procedure for the certification of specialty practice, you should also ask a prospective attorney how much of her practice is devoted to Medicaid planning or similar questions. For more information or questions you can contact NAELA at www.naela.org