Barboursville Medicaid Planning Lawyer Works to Ensure Clients’ Eligibility

West Virginia attorney uses “spend downs” to help fund long-term care

In West Virginia and throughout the country, many seniors rely on Medicaid to provide funding for long-term care and other health-related expenses. However, only certain people qualify for this coverage and if you learn too late that you are not eligible, it could put your physical and financial well-being at risk. With locations in Barboursville and Beckley, Herrenkohl Law Office provides knowledgeable guidance on “spend downs” and other steps that clients might need to take in order to collect Medicaid benefits. I am attorney Amy Martin Herrenkohl, and I have more than 30 years of experience and draw on that background to find creative solutions for West Virginia residents.

Established firm counsels families on Medicaid benefit matters

Serving clients in Cabell, Raleigh, Fayette, Mason, Putnam, Wayne, Lincoln and Nicholas counties, my firm offers comprehensive counsel on issues relating to Medicaid coverage, including advice on:

• Eligible recipients — Medicaid is a government program designed to help certain people who might not have the financial means to pay for their healthcare needs. It is limited to people who are over the age of 65, under 21, disabled, blind or in a household where at least one parent is deceased, disabled, unemployed or absent from the home.
• Income requirements — Though many older people who are considering applying for Medicaid no longer work, you should know that people who collect a certain amount of income are not covered by the program. For 2021, a West Virginia resident seeking individual benefits cannot make more than $2,382 per month. If both spouses apply, the limit is $3,000.
• Assets and exemptions — Seniors cannot receive Medicaid if the total of their cash on hand and other nonexempt assets exceeds $2,000. However, there are certain exemptions that are not counted within this figure. Most notably, an applicant’s home is exempted as long as the equity in it is less than $595,000. Personal effects such as clothes and one vehicle are also excluded.
• Spousal transfer — Some funds and property can be transferred to a prospective Medicaid claimant’s spouse so that the reported assets fall below the government’s threshold.

With a strong background in Medicaid and estate planning, I develop thorough programs that give West Virginians the opportunity to secure the benefits they need while minimizing the disruption to their daily lives.

Dedicated attorney takes steps so seniors can qualify for nursing home care

Low-income individuals who believe they will require Medicaid to pay for serious expenses such as in-home care or residence in a nursing facility should take steps to maximize the likelihood of receiving benefits. Many people must shift ownership of some property in order to move below the $2,000 asset limit. This process is sometimes referred to as a “spend down.” My elder law firm conducts a thorough review of clients’ financial circumstances and advises on how gifts, trusts and other methods of asset reduction can help them qualify for benefits. I also show clients how using available funds for healthcare-related expenses might also serve their long-term interests.

Contact a knowledgeable Cabell County lawyer for assistance with Medicaid planning

Herrenkohl Law Office assists West Virginia clients who are seeking to establish and maintain eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Please call 304-948-5860 or contact me online to make an appointment with an experienced attorney serving the Huntington area. My offices are in Barboursville and Beckley.