You're not alone in this situation: Your loved one is in a nursing home or rehabilitation facility, and you've just learned their Medicare coverage is ending—or that they can't come home without a qualified caregiver in place. There's a clear path forward that protects both your loved one's care and your family's financial security.
At Kirshblum Taber PC, we specialize in crisis Medicaid planning to secure Medicaid eligibility for continued nursing home care AND Medicaid-covered home health aides so your loved one can safely return home.
Understanding Medicare's 100-Day Limit
Medicare covers skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay—but coverage often ends sooner based on medical progress. Once Medicare expires, families face private-pay costs of $10,000-$15,000 per month for continued nursing home care.
Why You Need an Elder Law Attorney Before Applying for Medicaid
When Medicare days are running out, the nursing facility will initiate a Medicaid application through their Medicaid department or a private application company.
The critical issue: If your loved one owns a home, has savings, or holds assets exceeding Medicaid limits, the application cannot be submitted until proper legal steps are completed first.
We are the essential first step in the Medicaid eligibility process. The facility cannot move forward until we have:
- Created a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust to shelter the home and savings
- Executed legally compliant asset transfers out of your loved one's name
- Prepared Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies
- Ensured all documentation meets New York Medicaid regulations
Without this legal groundwork, the process stalls—and your family continues paying out-of-pocket rates exceeding $12,000 monthly.
Safe Discharge Planning: Securing Medicaid Home Care
When your loved one is ready to leave the facility, they need a "safe discharge plan"—meaning proper medical equipment and a qualified caregiver must be in place at home.
Private-pay home health aides cost thousands monthly. Through crisis Medicaid planning, we establish eligibility for Medicaid-covered home care services, allowing your loved one to receive care at home without devastating costs.
How We Help: Our Crisis Medicaid Planning Process
Our elder law attorneys meet families directly at facilities throughout Nassau County, Queens, and Long Island. We handle:
Medicaid Asset Protection — Trusts that shield your loved one's home and savings while meeting Medicaid requirements
Compliant Asset Transfers — Strategic transfers that avoid penalty periods and preserve your family's financial security
Essential Documentation — Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies for legal decision-making authority
Facility Coordination — Direct work with the facility's Medicaid department to expedite application submission
This ensures uninterrupted care—whether your loved one needs continued facility care or is ready to transition home with Medicaid coverage.
Common Questions About Crisis Medicaid Planning
What happens when Medicare's 100 days run out? You must either pay privately ($10,000-$15,000 monthly) or qualify for Medicaid. Crisis Medicaid planning helps families qualify quickly while protecting assets.
Can I apply for Medicaid without an attorney? If your loved one has assets above Medicaid limits, the application will be denied without proper legal transfers first. DIY attempts often result in costly mistakes and penalty periods.
Will my loved one lose their home? Not with proper planning. Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts can shield the home—but timing is critical.
Does Medicaid cover home health aides? Yes. Once eligibility is established, Medicaid covers qualified home health aide services for safe discharge.
We're Here to Help When You Need It Most
Kirshblum Taber PC has helped hundreds of Long Island families navigate nursing home Medicaid applications and safe discharge planning. We'll meet you at the facility if needed and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your loved one.
There's a way to ensure quality care without exhausting your family's savings. Let us show you how.
Contact Our Nassau County Elder Law Attorneys
If your loved one's Medicare coverage is ending or the facility requires a safe discharge plan, contact us today for immediate crisis Medicaid planning assistance.
Call (516) 908-8842
🌐 www.ktlawgroup.com/contact