Do I need an attorney to file a Connecticut Medicaid application?

March 7, 2015

While an attorney is not required to file an application, it is frequently advisable to at least consult with an elder law attorney prior to spending all of your assets on nursing home care or filing an application for Medicaid.  While assistance may be available from the nursing home or from certain service agencies, an elder law attorney provides more than simple assistance with filling out the application.  He or she may advise you on planning opportunities which may be available to maximize the use of your assets, or strategies available to address issues which could interfere with eligibility, such as trusts or disqualifying transfers.  There also may be other legal issues which should be addressed at the same time, such as updating your Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Appointment of Health Care Representative, or reviewing the nursing home contract.