Houston Elder Law Attorney Virginia Lootens, Texas Medicaid Recovery Rules, Medicaid Planning, Medicaid Eligibility and Qualification Rules

Virginia Lootens, Houston Elder Law Attorney

A Houston Elder Law Attorney
"In-Home Conferences Available When appropriate."

Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney (NAELA)

Understanding Elder Law

Rather than being defined by technical legal distinctions, elder law is defined by the client to be served. In other words, the lawyer who practices elder law may handle a range of issues but has a specific type of clients--seniors.

Elder law attorneys focus on the legal needs of the elderly, and work with a variety of legal tools and techniques to meet the goals and objectives of the older client.Therefore, understanding the importance of these issues is the first step to ensure your current and future needs are being addressed, as your health and lifestyle options change.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

An elder law attorney can also assist the client in planning for possible long-term care needs, including nursing home care. Locating the appropriate type of care, coordinating private and public resources to finance the cost of care, and working to ensure the client's right to quality care are all part of the elder law practice.
Read about Texas Medicaid recovery rules

Planning ahead can prepare you for the time when managing personal and financial affairs become difficult or impossible. When planning for your future there are three important questions to consider:

(1) "How can I keep my home and support my lifestyle?"

(2) "How can I pay for what care I may need?" and;

(3) "How can I leave something behind for the people and causes I care about?"

There are important documents that should be considered when planning ahead:

	Durable Power of Attorney		Medical Power of Attorney
	Guardianships and Alternatives		Wills and Trusts
	HIPPA Release		Qualifying Income Trusts (QIT)
	The Living Will (Directive to Physicians)		Miller Trust *

* Preparation of the Miller Trust, also known as a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), allows for Medicaid qualification in the event income levels are above the allowable amount.

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