Our Elder Law practice includes the following services:

• Wills and Trusts
• Estates and Probate Administration
• Guardianships
• Medicaid and Asset Protection Planning
  
• Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns
  
• Durable Powers of Attorney and Living Wills
  
• Nursing Home and Personal Injury Litigation

Issues In Elder Law: Medicaid in Indiana...and what you need to know before going to the Nursing Home.

MEDICAID is the federal and state program, operated by the local
Division of Family & Children, that pays Nursing Home expenses for the needy.

How do I become eligible?
You must be 65 or disabled.

How do I apply for Medicaid?
You must apply at the Division Of Family & Children in your County.

When should I apply?
As soon as possible, since Medicaid can go back 3 months.

What will I need for the appointment?
You will need to gather the institutionalized person's (IP) social security & Medicare cards, birth certificate, marriage license, bank statements, stocks and bonds, property Deeds, car titles, Power of Attorney, tax returns, and other items as needed.

How much money can I keep?
If the IP is not married, then YOU must spend-down to $1,500.

How much income can I keep?
The general rule is that all of the IPs income, including social security and pension, must go to the nursing home, except for a $35 personal needs allowance (PNA)

What if the IP is married?
If married, the at-home spouse can keep the house, a car, and 1/2 of the other assets up to approximately $80,000. And, the at-home spouse can keep up to approximately $1,300 of total income, and more if there are high living costs.

May I make gifts or transfer assets to my children?
No. Medicaid penalizes you for making certain gifts and transfers within 3 years of applying for Medicaid (5 years if from a  Trust).

How do I keep more of my money?
You should meet with an Elder Law Attorney, since there are techniques to protect your assets.