Emergencies requiring hospitalization could lead to seniors spending time in a nursing home or rehabilitation center. Families may find themselves unprepared the first time a loved one has a medical condition requiring long-term care.
The American Council on Aging notes that Florida residents over 65 may qualify for Medicaid assistance. If eligible, Florida Medicaid pays for long-term care services. Seniors may be eligible for payments to help them stay at an institutional facility or receive healthcare at home.
Documents may allow seniors to control treatment
Before deciding on Medicaid plans, seniors may create a power of attorney authorizing an individual to manage their healthcare affairs. The AARP notes that by preparing an advanced healthcare directive, individuals could name an agent or a proxy to discuss their desired services and treatment options.
Without legal documents, an emergency may leave a senior incapacitated or too ill to communicate his or her wishes. Doctors may provide standard treatments regardless of a senior’s preferences. Family members may need to ask a Florida judge to intervene and authorize someone to discuss medical care with a senior’s physician.
Medicaid applications may require planning
Medicaid could take time to apply for because the program looks at a five-year financial history. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance reports that some seniors may need to spend down their assets before they become eligible.
According to www.medicaidplanningassistance.org, an unmarried senior may not own more than $2,000 in assets in 2022. Medicaid also allows married spouses to apply. The spouse not receiving Medicaid may own assets worth no more than $137,400 when only one spouse applies for assistance. If both spouses apply, they may not own assets worth more than $3,000.
Families facing expenses for a senior’s healthcare services may consider applying for Medicaid. Legal documents covering caregiver instructions and financial planning could help seniors receive the treatment they deserve.
