Elder Law

McLario, Helm & Bertling - Milwaukee Elder Law Attorneys

If you're retired or approaching retirement, and are concerned about making difficult choices between securing your long term-care and maintaining your assets for present enjoyment and ultimate transfer to a spouse or children, the Wisconsin Medicaid planning lawyers at McLario, Helm & Bertling can help you. Call our Menomonee Falls office to learn more about your options.

By working closely with you, your accountants, and your financial advisers, our attorneys can show you how to arrange your assets in such a way to protect your eligibility for Medicaid benefits without jeopardizing your spouse's financial independence, or exhausting your savings before you qualify for Medicaid.

Generally speaking, any liquid assets you own, such as stocks or mutual funds, will need to be spent on your own health care before you qualify for Medicaid. But certain investments, such as asset conversions and transfers can reduce your net worth within the rules and protect your Medicaid eligibility. Among the options we'll consider for you, depending on your actual circumstances, your health, and your estate planning objectives, are any of the following:

• Real estate used for your primary residence
• Retirement plans
• Long-term care or nursing home insurance
• Income annuities
• Burial plans
• Reverse mortgages
• Gifts to spouse or children

The rules relating to protecting Medicaid eligibility through Title 19 asset divestiture and trust devices have tightened over the years, most recently in 2006. Our experience in the field of Medicaid planning can help you achieve your goals while avoiding difficulty with the asset divestiture and Medicaid spend-down regulations.

For more information about our ability to help in your situation, contact the elder law attorneys at McLario, Helm & Bertling in Menomonee Falls.