Category Archives: Attorney Articles
How to Get Free Home Health Care in Florida
This prooves you or a loved one needs help at home because of age, illness, or disability, the cost of care can feel overwhelming. The good news is that Florida Medicaid offers programs that can cover home health care services at little or no cost for those who qualify. Even if your loved one… Read More »
Understanding Florida Special Needs Trusts: First-Party vs. Third-Party Trusts
What is a Florida Special Needs Trust? A Florida Special Needs Trust, also referred to as a supplemental care trust, is a type of trust that allows for assets to be available for a beneficiary while not interfering with important government programs that the beneficiary receives, such as Medicaid, Social Security Disability and Food… Read More »
Florida Medicaid Planning as an Alternative to Long-Term Care Insurance
Why Long-Term Care Planning is Often Overlooked Florida Medicaid planning is an increasingly important part of long-term care planning, yet it remains one of the most overlooked areas of retirement and estate strategy. Families often assume Medicare will pay for an extended nursing home stay or that they can address the issue later if… Read More »
Medicaid Planning Florida: Protect Assets with Irrevocable Trusts
Qualifying for Medicaid requires meeting strict income and asset limits. In Florida, applicants are generally limited to just $2,000 in countable assets, though certain items like a primary residence and vehicle are exempt. Because of these limitations, many individuals assume they are not eligible for Medicaid. Fortunately, with proper planning, it is often possible… Read More »
Guardianships and Special Needs Trusts in Florida: How They Work Together
When a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs, many families turn to guardianship in Florida as a solution. But what many people don’t realize is that there are also powerful planning tools, called Special Needs Trusts (SNTs), that can support or even reduce the need for court involvement. Even more importantly,… Read More »
What Is a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)? A Guide to Medicaid Eligibility in Florida
A Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also known as a Miller Trust, is a specialized legal tool used in Medicaid planning. Unlike other types of trusts that are designed for probate avoidance or asset protection, a QIT serves one very specific purpose: helping individuals qualify for Florida Medicaid long-term care benefits when their income exceeds… Read More »
Guardianship and Medicaid Planning in Florida: What Families Need to Know
It can be incredibly overwhelming when a loved one starts to lose the ability to make decisions for themselves. Cognitive decline doesn’t always follow a clear path. It can come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. Understanding Florida guardianship and Medicaid planning is essential when a loved one begins to lose capacity. At… Read More »
Long-Term Care Medicaid in Florida: How Married Couples Can Protect Assets
How Florida Couples Use Long-Term Care Medicaid & the Spousal Refusal Strategy By: Mark Shalloway, Certified Elder Law Attorney When a spouse needs home health care, assisted living, or nursing home placement, many Florida families believe they must spend down their life savings before qualifying for Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid. Though that belief is… Read More »