Houston Estate Planning Attorney Whitney L. Thompson Explains Long-Term Care Insurance Under Medicare

Harris, Texas -

Houston estate planning attorney Whitney L. Thompson releases a new article (https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/long-term-care-insurance-under-medicare/) explaining long-term care insurance under Medicare. The lawyer mentions that Social Security contributions throughout a person’s career allow a person to receive Medicare benefits starting at the age of 65.

“Individuals under age 65 who qualify to receive Social Security Disability benefits are also covered under Medicare, as well as anyone of any age who has Lou Gehrig’s disease, known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or has been diagnosed with permanent kidney disease (end-stage renal disease) that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. But many people may not understand what is covered when long-term care is needed,” says the Houston estate planning attorney.

The lawyer explains that in general, long-term care refers to the medical and non-medical care provided to a person who is unable to perform the basic actions needed to function independently. These basic actions include activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, going to the toilet, and managing bladder and bowel functions. People with chronic diseases or who suffer from permanent injury may also need long-term care.

Attorney Whitney L. Thompson adds that patients in long-term care services usually reside in a nursing home to be able to have their basic needs met. If a person has become incapacitated due to an illness or injury, skilled nursing care may be needed with the goal of recovering to independent functional status. Medicare often pays for medically needed services. However, most long-term non-medical services are not covered by Medicare.

According to the estate planning lawyer, “For a Medicare recipient to qualify for a skilled nursing home stay, the patient must have been provided acute care in a hospital for three consecutive days (often referred to as three midnights) prior to transferring to a skilled nursing facility or must be placed in a skilled nursing facility within 30 days of that qualifying acute care stay. Being held on observation status for three consecutive days is not enough for Medicare to pay for additional care.”

Lastly, the lawyer emphasizes the importance of having a skilled probate attorney when dealing with matters involving estate planning or Medicaid planning. Having an experienced estate attorney may be able to help an individual understand their rights and help them prepare for the future of their loved ones.

About The Law Office of Whitney Thompson, PLLC

Attorney Whitney Thompson is an experienced family law attorney who helps clients deal with family law matters such as divorce or legal separation. Attorney Thompson also deals with guardianship, probate, and estate planning matters. As an experienced divorce lawyer, attorney Thompson and her legal team have helped families have a smoother divorce process and plan for their future more thoroughly. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 214-0173.

The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC

4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 320, Box #116B, Houston, TX 77068, United States

(281) 214-0173