The Connections Warren Watchung Edition Feb/Mar 2022

theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 41 752 Mountain Boulevard • Watchung, NJ 07069 Stephen Szczubelek, Mgr. NJ Lic. No. #4446 908-756-0017 www.HigginsFuneralHome.com established 1868 1660 Lexington Avenue, Lakewood, NJ, 08701 Phone: 732-746-5050 | Fax: 732-746-5051 Email: info@applicationpros.com www.applicationpros.com N E E D S O M E R E A S S U R A N C E ? G I V E U S A C A L L T O D A Y ! A Medicaid consulting agency specializing in the New Jersey Medicaid application process Provide free consultation to applicant and/or responsible party Review all finances and determine eligibility Process and file application with the appropriate Board of Social Services Handle correspondence during application process Application Pros will help you through this process with ease and dignity What to expect with Apros: One should not think they must enter a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicaid benefits. In fact, if you require services at home, you can even keep your car and your house and still qualify for Medicaid. There are many different pro- grams and the regulations are different for each one. Because Medicaid requires a 5-year lookback the applica- tion process can be quite frus- trating. Medicaid is the only long-term payor source and a necessity for our senior com- munities. When someone’s cost of care begins to cost more than their income, they may be too late to begin the planning for Medicaid benefits as they have now entered the phase we like to call “spend-down”. This means that they are de- creasing their net worth month- ly and as additional costs arise, they will be closer to requiring Medicaid benefits. Medicaid truly is a great program that allows those that require the coverage to receive care with dignity. Medicaid covers a lot of services including for those in nursing homes, assisted liv- ings, and many more for those living at home. Now more than ever due to COVID many of those that require long term services are choosing to stay at home and utilize the home care benefits. One can receive an aid, meals on wheels, pharmacy, trans- portation among others and many other benefits. It is espe- cially trying to have to consider moving into a nursing home or assisted living but have limited options for visitors. Choosing a placement and determining the best option for care is the easy part. The Medicaid appli- cation still requires the same level of scrutiny whether you are applying for services to re- main at home, an assisted liv- ing, or a nursing home. Of course the regulations for Medicaid are specific and one must truly qualify for ben- efits. Regardless of where you choose to receive your care it is important to know that there will be a lot of financial restric- tions moving forward. It is im- perative to project as best as possible what needs need to be taken care of while you are still in spend down. A prime example would be a prepaid burial service. Since the state of NJ allows for an individual to pay for this it is prudent to make sure this is taken care of prior to running out of funds. While you can feel confident your medical needs will be taken care of this is a sure way to be sure your final wishes will be respected. While Medicaid can only ap- prove those that do meet the required specifications for the financial and medical compo- nent of the program knowing what all this is can help the planning to ensure all future needs will continue to be pro- vided for. Everyone has expenses that are unique to them. If you would like to discuss your spe- cific needs please don’t hesi- tate to reach out! A prime example would be a prepaid burial service. Since the state of NJ allows for an individual to pay for this it is prudent to make sure this is taken care of prior to running out of funds. When someone’s cost of care begins to cost more than their income, they may be too late to begin the planning for Medicaid benefits as they have now entered the phase we like to call “spend-down”. This means that they are decreasing their net worth monthly and as additional costs arise, they will be closer to requiring Medicaid benefits. MEDICAID BENEFITS: YOU MATTER! Submitted by: Goldie Ribiat A Medicaid consulting agency specializing in the New Jersey NEXT EXCITING ISSUE A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 2 2 Ad Approval Deadline Deadline: March 4th 908-903-1799 info theconnectionsnj.com theconnectionsnj.com @