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Category Archives: Elder Law

The importance of strategic Medicaid planning

Strategic Medicaid Planning with an Elder Law Attorney

By Andre O. McDonald |

The United States Medicaid program provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. However, because of the steep costs associated with long-term care, strategic Medicaid planning is a growing trend for individuals with higher net worth as an alternative to spending down assets to qualify for benefits. Individuals can plan to meet eligibility requirements… Read More »

What to know about a Medicaid-Compliant Annuity

Medicaid-Compliant Annuity (MCA) for Married Couples

By Andre O. McDonald |

An annuity is a financial product that pays a fixed amount of money every year, generally for the rest of the annuity owner’s life. Most annuities are deferred, meaning the payout doesn’t occur until a later date. However, you can receive immediate payouts if you purchase a Medicaid-Compliant Annuity (MCA). When you buy a… Read More »

What you need to know about claiming guardianship of an elderly parent

Claiming the Guardianship of an Elderly Parent

By Andre O. McDonald |

Often an aging parent will lose their ability to think clearly to make informed and meaningful decisions regarding their life. This growing inability may occur due to Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, mental illness, stroke, brain injury, or other severe health or disability conditions. In the absence of your parent preparing for their… Read More »

Qualifying for Medicaid: What you should know now to prepare for later

Qualifying for Medicaid: A Five Year Look-Back Without Penalties

By Andre O. McDonald |

Nearly everyone will need long-term care at some point in their lives, so planning is vital. While we cannot predict the timing or level of care, we can take steps to prepare for an unexpected medical and financial crisis to help reduce the stress on ourselves and our family members. The cost of care… Read More »

The importance of Medicaid Planning in protecting your home

Medicaid Planning Protects Your Home from Rising Health Care Costs and Capital Gains

By Andre O. McDonald |

Your most valuable property may be your home, which is true for many people. You want your children to inherit that value when you pass. However, you are also concerned about planning for the future, declining health, and the potential need for expensive long-term care. You have heard that Medicaid can pay for that,… Read More »

Understanding the Elderly Guardianship Process

Claiming guardianship of an elderly parent

By Andre O. McDonald |

More often than not, guardianship congers images of a minor child in the care of a designated adult family member or friend. However, you can employ the process to obtain legal rights over elderly or aging adults, usually parents, who are losing their physical and mental health capacities. While the process is similar, there… Read More »

Options for how to afford paying for long-term care

Paying for Long-Term Care

By Andre O. McDonald |

According to findings, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cites that almost seventy percent of retirees in America will need some long-term care (LTC), with median annual costs for these services ranging from $53,768 to $105,850 in 2020, according to research from Genworth. HHS also reports that those who receive Medicaid-financed… Read More »

How to avoid a Medical Penalty

Medicaid Gifts and Penalties

By Andre O. McDonald |

Medicaid is a federal/state program helping low-income seniors with limited income and assets afford healthcare and long-term care. Many seniors believe their only option to qualify for the program is to “spend down” their assets. While this is true in some cases, proactive Medicaid planning can protect a substantial portion of your assets if… Read More »

Determining Medicad Eligibility for nursing home based on level of care

Medicaid Eligibility for Nursing Home Level of Care

By Andre O. McDonald |

Think again if you thought Medicaid planning only included meeting strict income and asset limits for long-term care coverage. You will also need to demonstrate you need the level of care typically provided in a nursing home setting. These health eligibility rules are valid if you apply for nursing home coverage or a Medicaid… Read More »

Becoming a Legal Guardian of an Aging Parent: What You Need to Know

Becoming a Legal Guardian of Person and Property of Your Aging Parent in Maryland and the District of Columbia

By Andre O. McDonald |

Guardianship of an aging parent means acceptance of significant legal responsibility to act and advocate for their care. The duties include a parent’s daily care, medical care, and possibly financial decisions made on their behalf. Many guardians are family members who were previously caregivers, now cast into a formal legal role. At the same… Read More »

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For help with estate planning, special needs planning or elder law throughout Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore County; and Baltimore City, contact McDonald Law Firm, LLC.

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McDonald Law Firm, LLC

Columbia Office

10500 Little Patuxent Pkwy, #420
Columbia, MD 21044-3563

Bethesda Office:

(By Appointment Only)

7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800 West
Bethesda, MD 20814

Washington, DC Office:

2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20037

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