Raleigh Medicaid Lawyer

Assistance in Applying For and Maintaining Benefits for North Carolinians

Medicaid helps millions of people across the United States access healthcare services that they could otherwise not afford. Medicaid benefits can prove essential to many low-income families that are struggling to get the care that they need as well as elderly individuals who require long-term care. Unfortunately, obtaining and maintaining Medicaid benefits can be a confusing and frustrating process rife with bureaucracy.

Our Medicaid lawyers in Raleigh at Oak City Estate Planningare dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you and your family deserve. Our estate planning lawyers have a full familiarity with how Medicaid operates in North Carolina and can work to get you benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our estate team can assist in Medicaid cases where your application has been improperly stalled or denied. We can help you navigate any problems you encounter when moving through the Medicaid system, including filing any necessary appeals and representing you in hearings.

Understanding Medicaid and Its Benefits

Medicaid is a government benefits program that is funded by both the federal and state governments, with individual states responsible for the administration and operation of the system. The program is intended to benefit low-income individuals, including those with special needs and elders needing long-term care.

Medicaid benefits can help cover a wide array of healthcare categories, including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital and emergency visits
• Long-term healthcare and medication
• Custodial care for elderly individuals and those with special needs

It is important to understand that those who qualify for Medicaid do not receive direct monetary benefits. Instead, the state-level Medicaid program pays healthcare practitioners for the eligible services that they provide. Medicaid benefits can help many struggling with limited income to procure critical care, especially for those who are unable to work.

The Importance of Early Medicaid Planning

Although Medicaid planning can seem overwhelming, getting started as soon as possible can help you secure the benefits you require. You can safeguard your assets, guarantee your eligibility, and steer clear of any potential problems that might come up throughout the application process by taking a proactive approach to Medicaid planning.

Here’s why early planning is crucial:

• Asset Protection: Keep your hard-earned assets from being depleted by long-term care expenses.
• Eligibility Optimization: Recognize the standards for eligibility and plan your finances to meet them.
• Peace of Mind: Focus on your health and well-being by lowering stress levels by having a well-defined plan in place.
• Informed Decisions: Learn about the numerous options available to you, allowing you to make the right choices for your future.
• Professional Guidance: Work with skilled attorneys who can guide you through the complexities of Medicaid rules and regulations.

At Oak City Estate Planning, we think that taking proactive measures now will ensure a secure future. Our committed staff is available to assist you at every stage of the Medicaid planning process, making sure you have access to the tools and assistance you require. Make an appointment for a consultation with us now before it's too late.

What Documents Are Required for a Medicaid Application?

When applying for Medicaid, having the correct documentation is crucial to ensure a smooth application process. Gathering the following documents is essential:

• Proof of Identity and Citizenship: This includes a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport, along with a birth certificate or naturalization papers to confirm U.S. citizenship.
• Social Security Number: Provide your Social Security card or a document containing your Social Security number, or proof to show that you have applied if you are eligible for one. Families with non-U.S. citizens may also apply in certain situations.
• Income Verification: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer can serve as proof of income. For those receiving benefits like Social Security, include award letters.
• Asset Information: Bank statements, property deeds, and information on any other assets are necessary to assess eligibility.
• Medical Records: If applying for disability-related Medicaid, include medical records and documentation from healthcare providers.
• Insurance Information: Details of any existing health insurance policies should be included.

By preparing these documents in advance, you can facilitate a more efficient application process and improve your chances of approval. Oak City Estate Planning is here to guide you through each step, ensuring all requirements are met.

Helpful Resources

• North Carolina Medicaid - Official site providing information on applying for and managing Medicaid benefits in North Carolina.
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services - Overview of Medicaid services, eligibility criteria, and application process.
• Medicaid.gov - Federal site with comprehensive information about Medicaid, including eligibility, benefits, and state-specific resources.

Why Choose Oak City Estate Planning for Medicaid Help?

We have over 35 years of legal experience and our Medicaid attorney at Oak City Estate Planning in Raleigh, NC, can assist you in every stage of the application process. We can evaluate your eligibility for benefits, help you gather the necessary documentation, and accurately prepare your application. Our estate planning team knows the ins and outs of North Carolina’s Medicaid program and can assist with stalled and rejected applications, including the filing of appeals.

Foresight, knowledge, and accuracy are necessary for effective Medicaid planning. You will likely need legal assistance to make the most of the tools available and avoid making critical but common mistakes when it comes to applying for Medicaid benefits.

Get help with Medicaid today. Call (919) 975-5359 or contact us online to get started.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid?

Broadly, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other legal immigrants can be found eligible for benefits. States set their own individual coverage requirements, but generally speaking, only individuals with low incomes tend to qualify.

North Carolina determines qualifying “low income” by evaluating your gross annual household income relative to your household size. The more people in your household, the greater overall income you can have and still qualify. If you live alone, the maximum income is currently set at $16,971. For a family of four, you can collectively make up to $34,846 and still be eligible.

In addition to having a “low income,” Medicaid benefits in North Carolina are reserved for those who are at least one of the following:

• At least 65 years old
• Pregnant
• Parent to or legally responsible for at least one minor child
• Blind
• Living with a disability
• Living with and supporting a loved one with a disability in your household

Schedule a free vision meeting to discuss your Medicaid needs with our estate planning team. Call (919) 975-5359 or contact us online today.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Medicaid

Even if you believe that you meet all of the above requirements, there is a strong chance you will have difficulty applying for and receiving Medicaid benefits. The program’s application system can be extremely complex, and it can be easy to make mistakes that can delay or imperil your Medicaid case. The extent of the bureaucracy also means that properly prepared applications can get lost in the system or improperly rejected, leaving you in a state of limbo when you need benefits as soon as possible.

Medicaid recipients may also face obstacles when attempting to use benefits to pay for healthcare services. Medical providers can sometimes improperly refuse to provide coverage, a situation that often requires an appeal and hearing. Our Raleigh estate planning lawyer can help you manage these difficult issues and resolve conflicts as quickly and painlessly as possible. We understand how these estate cases are adjudicated and can leverage our years of experience to fight for a positive outcome.