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Serving Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Free Phone Consult: 571-800-0678

The ABD Medicaid Application
Process Is Full of Traps for the Unwary

We will help guide you through the very technical process of applying for ABD Medicaid

Have you ever heard the phrase “pennywise and pound foolish?” It means being extremely careful about relatively small amounts of money at the expense of much larger amounts of money. Many seniors and their families don’t use a lawyer to plan for long-term care or ABD Medicaid, often because they’re afraid of the cost. An experienced elder law attorney can guide you through the very technical process of applying for ABD Medicaid, help you save money in the long run as well as make sure you are getting the best care for your loved one. In most cases, a skilled elder law lawyer will save a family many times the money they will spend in getting professional guidance to avoid delays or denials and secure the benefits of smart planning.

ABD Medicaid rules provide multiple opportunities for long-term care recipients to preserve assets for themselves, their spouses, children and grandchildren, especially those with special needs.

There are more opportunities for those who plan ahead, but even at the last minute, when an application is needed immediately, there are almost always steps still available to preserve some assets.  Here are a few reasons why the Legacy Elder Law Center can be the best solution for preparing, filing, and prosecuting your ABD Medicaid application.

No Conflict of Interest

When nursing homes offer to file an ABD Medicaid application or refer the families of residents to non-lawyers to assist in preparing the ABD Medicaid application, the preparer has dual loyalties, both to the facility who employs the preparer or provides the referrals and to the client applying for benefits. To the extent everyone wants the Medicaid application to be successful, there is no conflict of interest.

It is in the nursing home’s interest that the resident pay privately for as long as possible before going on Medicaid, while it is in the client’s best interest to protect assets for the resident’s care and for the resident’s spouse or family.  At the Legacy Elder Law Center, our experienced professionals have a duty of loyalty ONLY to the client, and we will do our best to achieve our client’s goals in every case.

Save Money

Nursing homes can cost as much as $16,000 a month in our area, so it is unusual for legal fees to prepare, file, and prosecute an ABD Medicaid application to exceed the cost of even one month of care in the facility. It is not difficult to save much more than this in long-term care and probate costs.

Specialized Knowledge and Deep Experience

A professional who works in any field on a daily basis over many years develops both the depth and breadth of experience and expertise to effectively advise clients on how they can achieve their goals, whether those are maintaining independence and dignity, preserving funds for children and grandchildren, or staying home rather than moving to assisted living or a nursing home. The Legacy Elder Law Center’s lawyers and other professionals not only have years of legal experience but the critical personal understanding that often makes all the difference in meeting a client’s objectives.  Less experienced advisers, however well-intentioned, can not know what they do not know.

Malpractice Insurance

You can expect that every professional at the Legacy Elder Law Center will provide outstanding service and representation. We back that pledge by carrying malpractice insurance.  This is probably not the case with other non-lawyer advisers in the Medicaid arena and is certainly not the case if a nursing home prepares your ABD Medicaid application.

Peace of Mind.

Knowing that every opportunity to protect your loved one and their life savings has been pursued will give you peace of mind and the ability to focus on what you do best; love and care for your loved one.  Rest easy knowing that you will not have to become an expert or dedicate precious time completing government forms, arguing the rules, or dealing with the social services case managers who are tasked with reviewing your application.  Not only have the professionals at the Legacy Elder Law Center successfully won ABD benefits for many years, they are probably well known to and have an excellent working relationship with the case manager who will handle your claim.

“They help good people through difficult times…”

Online Reviews

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Memberships & Associations

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Legacy Elder Law Center’s ability to listen to you, map out a financial strategy and follow through with expert planning and advocacy is invaluable in securing your family’s financial future no matter what event comes along down the road.

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Joe
They are an honest and reputable organization. I would recommend them to anyone that needs probate services in Virginia. They will look into every detail and give you an honest response to your questions. Racheal was awesome. Call them if you need their services.
reginald melvin
Extremely professional and knowledgeable! Listened to my needs and provided very efficient and effective counsel!!!
Amanda Lewis
My experience with Emily during my free 30-minute consultation was very helpful and informative. I reside outside of the state where our estate matters were handled. After speaking with Emily, I felt more comfortable with understanding communication that should be provided to beneficiaries, options on how to proceed with my concerns, and specific language pertaining to the Will. Thank you so much for providing excellent legal information. I can have a good night's sleep and my anxiety around these issues have been greatly reduced after our meeting. Should I need representation in the future, Emily will be my first call.
Carlton Conley
My consultation with Emily was very pleasant and informative. We look forward to working with her.
Tamara Fleming
I appreciate the support you all provided me after losing my mother, in January 2024. Your team gave the information that allowed for me to make a difficult decision based on what was in my best interest. You all were even kind of enough refund my retainer fee. Grateful for your service.- Douglas Fleming
V B
We were very fortunate to have Legacy Elder Law Center assist us with the many issues that arose regarding my brother's death and the sale of his home. The staff is excellent and communicated with us every step of the way and answered our many questions. They are amazing and made a very difficult situation so much easier and manageable. We wish to thank the staff of Legacy Elder Law Center, with special thanks to Steve Bingham and Tyler Sitzlar.
Dawn
Emily listened, she is extremely knowledgeable. She explained things clearly, answered all of my questions and provided me with information that I needed that I didn’t think of.
Robert Keller
They were very accommodating and pleasant. Highly recommend.
Ashley Funk
Legacy Law was incredible and I look forward to working with them in the future!
robin boniface
Very good meeting! Rory handled all the questions my son had and was very patient. We are excited to execute the plan!
Adrienne M
Very informative and professional
Chris Johnson
Emily was very helpful and informative. She took a huge weight off my shoulders.
Emes747
It was a warm and a blessed consultation, highly appreciated..Emily is very good in answering all my questions, Superb.Thanks a lot
Edwin Allen
We greatly appreciate the assistance provided Liz with our elder care challenge. She responded quickly and provided excellent advice. Thank you!
Lisa Freire
This team has done nothing but work to help me. They have been confidantes, therapists, and obviously legal experts. They have taken a potentially disastrous situation and turned it around in a flash and explained all of my options at each stage of the process. I could not be happier with their work. We're not done yet and there are still some hurdles to jump but without them I really would be up the creek without a paddle.Thank you Leann, Rachael, Eliz, Rory and the rest for your patience, expertise, and kindness. Worth every penny.
Mia Katzenberger
Emily was incredibly friendly, efficient, and highly knowledgeable. After our consultation, I felt clear and confident about the next steps to take. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone seeking expert guidance. Thank you!
Stephen A. Vaughan
Awesome Service
Marie Bailey
Emily, was very helpful to me and took the time, to explain the path that I needed to take, in order to move ahead, with my issue. She gave me, some much needed, peace of mind. Thanks again.
Pamela Finster
It has been my pleasure to know and work with Attorney RoryClark and the staff of The Legacy Elder Law Center for the past six years. They have assisted me with the complexity of helping my parents create their irrevocable trust. With Rory's expertise and guidance, the entire family feels that our parents' financial future is secure. My thanks to all for making this experience so easy and allaying our fears.
nell fagan
This consultation was very informative and helpful. I look forward to working with your group! I'll be in touch to set up an appointment.
Jet Lobster007
It was very enlightening.
Ashley Butler
I am highly impressed with the professionalism, urgency, and hard work that Rory, Liz, Chandler & others in this office displayed. I needed the appropriate documents filed to support my father in his estate and end of life planning. The package they offer provided all the documents he needed in a fast and urgent timeline. I was met with hugs and warmth as I worked with them closely to make sure everything was precise and correct.I would highly recommend their services no matter what your age is. Having all of the documents you need through out your life so your loved ones always know your wishes. If you are looking for the best, I highly encourage you work with them. I am blessed to have worked with them & Liz is absolutely amazing!Down to earth but professional to make sure you are always comfortable and understand the process.
Charles Price II
yo! these people are awesome! and Eliz is the best. Talk about being thorough, communicative, and wanting to put you in the best situation based upon where you are and where you are looking to go. I've been recommending them around to all my friends because I know how important this stuff is. And for them to offer the comprehensive help they do and aid to ensure you understand is well worth it!
Vita Russotto
Ms. Elizabeth Clark was a pleasure to speak with. She made me feel like I Was right at home. I look forward to working with her.
Samuel Krislov
The Legacy Elder Law Center is just what we have been looking for: a place where people genuinely serve those who are elderly and protect them from the vagaries of old age and worry. Judy and i are both at ease as we go through the process of securing our needs and those of our loved ones. We recommend them highly. Their work is invaluable.
Lloyd Calderon
Excellent info; listened well to needs and concerns. Knowledgeable and respectful with a dose of empathy.
lee ray
Liz was very knowledgeable about the services provided by Elder Law Center. She was very patient and explain the process in depth.
Captain Tightpants
Very helpful and informative. Excellent and friendly staff as well!
Lauren Penman-Garcia
Very helpful, knowledgeable and professional.
Tricia Devlin
Needed some questions about probate answered. Emily was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and kind with my situation over the phone. (Wow, I didn't even have to drive into town for a free consult) Don't hesitate to use their practice if you need this type of information. I know this is Emily's job, but she made me feel confident to proceed with my actions and if I could I would give her more than five stars for how she spoke and treated me. Excellent experience. Thank you Emily!
roger velez
Very professionals and knowledgeable of the process of trust, wills and probates. Once the required information was delivered the process was fast, efficient and a happy outcome. Recommend them for your needs on these matters.
Karen Tid
Emily is super and upbeat. I told of her the very hard issues of foreclosure and she gave me an assurance that it could be stopped. Since there is no money available until the 1st, she recommended a Free source. I called that number but unlike Legacy Elder Law Center, those phones aren't manned and no one ever called back.It's refreshing to have an upfront legal team who explained cost upfront. I recommend them highly. Your questions, calls, answers, and upfront expense are important and she addressed them quickly and amicably without judgement. Additionally called a day ahead of what I expected. She was sharp, fresh, and ready to go.Give them a call and trust their knowledge because I'd already done some research and she was spot on about the fees and their fee is fair. Great team!
Alexis Guirand
Emily Wanchisn has been very helpful. I appreciate her time & directions on how I should proceed with my probate issues. I will follow through & keep her informed on the outcome so she can direct or redirect me accordingly. I am grateful for her legal knowledge. The Legal Elder Law Center is recommended to all requiring this type of assistance.
Kristy Howell
Was very helpful and knowledgeable and gave me alot of good advice on how to handle my father's estate and I was very happy with the help I received through just one phone call
Rosalie Wallace
EMILY WAS TRULY VERY HELPFUL ON TIME PHONE CONSULTATION I AM GOING TO HIRE THEM FOR I BELIEVE THEY WILL BE FOR MY BEST INTERESTS LOOK AY THEIR REVIEWS VERY REMARKABLE
Julie
I have an awesome consultation! So much valuable information for deciding on what’s needed to protect my mother from wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Spring Bartley
Legacy Elder Law Center has been exceptionally professional and understanding throughout my grief and loss and my legal worries
Brian Burns
We received great advice on planning for the future and protecting assets by setting up a trust, will, and AMD. Loved working with Rory, Kathy and the whole team.
Dan Hodge
Rory always been good to me he took me on afer my mother passed away and he set me up with a trust account for that i'm i'm greatful
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