WHAT IS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PLANNING?
By: Robert H. Chesley June 3, 2008 INTRODUCTION You worked hard all your life and saved in order to provide for your retirement needs. Now, if you or your spouse needs long term care, you face the prospects of having everything go to the government. There are steps you can take to prevent this. You can structure your assets so you are eligible for Medical Assistance. 1. What is Medical Assistance? Medical Assistance is a combination of State and Federal programs designed to help low and moderate income individuals with their medical expenses. While in Minnesota this program is known as Medical Assistance, on a national basis it is known as Medicaid. There are two components of Medical Assistance: long term care and medical expenses. Long term care includes nursing home expenses, assisted living, and home care. Medical expenses include physician services, hospitalization, and medications. 2. Why might it be wise to do planning? Before a single person can be eligible for Medical Assistan
