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Is $8000 a typical legal fee to "guarantee acceptance in 1 month to Medicaid" in mid-FLA, or is this a scam? Dad insists on this lawyer...

Asked by JeannieW | Feb 18, 2010

Answers 1 to 3 of 3

Feb 18, 2010

DO NOT DO THIS!!! Anyone who'd take this kind of money is a THIEF!!! There are NO guarantees that your parent will get on Medicaide. I'll tell you this - if your father can afford $8000 for an attorney, he won't or SHOULD NOT get medicaide. Each state is different but the usual qualifications are that the elder has LESS than $2000 in liquid assets - that's usually cash + savings + checking (including any bonds, CDs - anything that can be accessed to pay bills). A home might be disqualified from the assets if your parent has an intent to return there or if there is a surviving spouse or dependent child (even an adult child with a disability) that needs a home to live. You can easily find out if your parents might by calling your state's medicaide hot line or simply going to your local office. They will insist there is no guarantee until you complete an application and submit it - do THIS and if it's declined THEN get an attorney involved but not this $8K attorney!!! And, don't confuse medicaide with medicare - anyone over 65 is eligible for medicare - the federal program. Medicaide is STATE assistance for the elderly and indigent. Good luck

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JeannieW

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Feb 18, 2010

Thanks, Lynn. We've had two social workers from the hospital recommend dealing with Medicaid applications through elder law specialists, rather than trying to do it alone; they say there's no pro bono/legal aid/Medicaid office that is adequate to the application process. Dad has his house and 2 cars (his wife passed away in early Jan., just before illness put him in hospital for emergency surgery), but $$ thousands in credit card and medical debt from trying to look after his wife.

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explorer

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Oct 15, 2011

In Fl there is a Pooled Trust which is a way to move excess income in a way that it is not considered when applying for medicaid. It might cost several thousands to set up. So don't discount the original question without considering how the atty plans to get the person eligible for Medicaid. Assets are capped, with some exclusions which vary by state. Good luck!

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