It may not be groundbreaking news to say that we are living longer than generations before us. What is newsworthy is that in addition to living longer lives, we are living healthier ones as well.
Researchers at Harvard University report that “[e]ffectively, the period of time in which we are in poor health is being compressed until just before the end of life.” This means that we are living to older ages and, at the same time, “adding healthy years.” That is great news. It means more time to see our grandchildren build their lives, more time to witness the beauty of family, and more time to simply live well. For some, though, it also means more time to worry about the logistics. Who will care for us when we can no longer care for ourselves? Who will ensure we are in compliance with our financial and health needs? Who will be there to guide us through it all? The questions are many – and we know that, for some, unanswered questions can mean sleepless nights.
The increase in the length of our lives is not the only growth we are seeing. Just a few years ago, Americans had a 40-percent chance of needing long-term care at least once in their lifetime. Today, according to the Federal Government:
70 percent of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives.
We owe it to ourselves to live those extra healthy years to the fullest. We also owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to acknowledge the importance of planning – planning for potential assisted living needs, medical costs, disability, among the myriad other factors associated with aging.
One such factor, and a major one at that, is Medicaid – yes, that mountain of incertitude. It practically goes without saying that there are many myths about Medicaid. Adding to the uncertainty are the constant changes in the rules and regulations affecting Medicaid, particularly here in Florida as the government again considers expanding the program. Thus, it begs the question: If Medicaid is so important, should it not be less confusing?
We at The Edwards Law Firm believe that safeguarding the future you worked hard to secure and that you deserve should not be rife with uncertainty. That is why our firm focuses on elder law issues in general and on Medicaid in particular. Our highly experienced attorneys understand the intricacies of the ever-evolving Medicaid laws and the impact of those changes. We have helped thousands of our clients to secure necessary Medicaid coverage – and to ensure that their Medicaid coverage remains intact when the laws inevitably change. And with nearly half of Floridians nearing or already in retirement, understanding Medicaid is more important for more Floridians than ever before.
A hallmark of The Edwards Law Firm is education – educating ourselves and educating our clients. When you meet with our attorneys or attend one of our seminars, we will separate myth from truth. We will address Medicaid exceptions and such important considerations as the five-year look back period and the so-called “spend down” requirement, among others. We will update you on where the law stands today, both nationally and here at home, and what that means for you. We will provide you with proven strategies that will better safeguard your future. In the end, we will determine solutions for your needs, your worries and your sleepless nights.
Give us a call today and allow us to explore what legal options and safeguards are right for you. Retirement should be golden. We will put those protections in place now so that yours can be.
