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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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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!
Theresa Christopher
Legacy Law Group truly provides exceptional customer service. Rory's knowledge and professionalism immediately put our family at ease with our complicated guardianship/conservator case. It is very clear he understands the law inside and out. His team is excellent, especially Odalis who I have had the pleasure of working with regularly. She is quick to respond and if there is something she doesn't know, she is following up to find the answer. This team has made a stressful situation feel manageable. We appreciate all of their hard work!
Ashley Funk
Legacy Law was incredible and I look forward to working with them in the future!
lee ray
Liz was very knowledgeable about the services provided by Elder Law Center. She was very patient and explain the process in depth.
Jennifer Kline
The consultation was very thorough and it is clear Rory Clark had a great deal of experience and knowledge, even if the situation may be time sensitive due to an illness or family emergency
Jim
Leeann, from GuideWISE has been a blessing for me with her assistance in helping find and keep an excellent Caregiver. She stays in touch regularly and has always been very professional but still caring. I highly recommend GuideWISE.
Vicki Hunter
I had an extraordinarily good experience working with Legacy Elder Law Center. Odalis Aviles handled the Medicaid application process for my brother-in-law. I was so nervous about the whole thing. Odalis walked me through the entire process. She was always calm and encouraging. She taught me patience! She had such a positive influence on me. I would recommend the Legacy Elder Law Center to everyone. You can trust them because they know what they are doing. They care and have your best interest at heart. They are the real deal. Thank you Odalis.
Kerry “KK” Riley
Liz was amazing and full of knowledge about medicaid!! The entire experience was fantastic. Highly recommend!
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.
jennifer delapa
The Legacy Elder Law Center has truly bent over backwards to ensure my needs and financial needs have been met. My husband has Early Onset Alzheimer’s and I felt defeated until I met and worked with this fabulous firm. They truly brought me peace and I will be forever grateful.
Melissa Kaiser
Where to start! This law firm is FANTASTIC! As a child of elderly parents in the midst of an alarming legal situation dealing with their care, they were the only firm in town that 1. answered the phone and 2. connected me to someone who could help me right away. The person I worked with was Emily Wanchisn, a wonderful person and paralegal. She helped me interpret the legal documents that were signed by my parents, explained what my responsibilities and limitations were, and did it all with a kindness and compassion you don't find very often in the world these days. I was never once made to feel "crazy" which can happen when emotions are high. I hope someone reads this review and it informs their decision to hire this law firm. They are great and know their stuff!
John Sinnett
Very good experience working with Steve Bingham. We benefited from Steve's professionalism, experience and smart practical approach. Made for a quick and smooth sale of our property. Thanks Steve!
Lloyd Calderon
Excellent info; listened well to needs and concerns. Knowledgeable and respectful with a dose of empathy.
Emes747
It was a warm and a blessed consultation, highly appreciated..Emily is very good in answering all my questions, Superb.Thanks a lot
Dan Stapleton
Our consultation with The Legacy Elder Law Center was very helpful and help us refine and understand our needs. Being able to do it remotely via computer was very convenient
David Warburton
Jolly good advice on many key frontsRather expensive but so worth it in the big picture❤️
David Warburton
Knowledgeable, pleasant and no BS
Deborah Reams
Just had my initial consultation. Was gretat & very thorough. Looking forward to my next appointment.
Pablo Sierra
The Legacy Elder Law Center and Odalis, especially, have been I've been extremely helpful in navigating the complex Medicaid environment for us and for my father. They've always been extremely responsive, detailed, and helpful with their recommendations and options as to what to do next. Much appreciated. Highly recommended.
Lisa Erickson
I stumbled on Legacy Elder Law at a critical moment in my mom’s health care journey when I believed I had run out of options. The team at this firm quickly engaged and presented options for helping my mom qualify for Medicaid. Specifically, Odalis took the time to meet with me and explain the process in detail, particularly when I was feeling overwhelmed. She treated me and my family’s situation with kindness, respect and professionalism. Unfortunately, my mom passed before we could complete the process, but Odalis and the LELC team took the time to offer sincere condolences for my loss. I strongly encourage families to seek the services of LELC to properly plan for your loved one’s estate planning and long term care needs prior to critically needing a plan.
Jack Starry
From the first day, Legacy Elder has been transparent and communicative. Tyler was the gentleman we worked with, and he was compassionate, thorough and professional. I am very pleased with my experience with them.
Regina McConnon
My mother and I reached out to Legacy Elder Law Center for legal services related to Medicaid and estate planning for my father. After our initial consultation with Eliz, we knew that we would be in good hands. Odalis was especially wonderful to work with. She was very knowledgeable and always responsive to our questions. We can't thank her enough for all of her work. We're still working with the firm for some additional guardianship and conservatorship issues, and the entire team has been great to work with.
Deborah Bernick
The phone consultation was clear, thoughtful and addressed all my questions . Thank you to Emily for taking the time to explain all the relevant legal issues for our family.
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
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.
TZ1000
Excellent interview and experience.
Belinda McPherson
Legacy Elder Law was very helpful in assisting me and my family in establishing a Special Needs Trust and ensuring Medicaid covered my mother's rehabilitation cost. Rory is extremely knowledgeable with all aspects of Elder law and in particular Medicare & Medicaid.Odalis worked closely with us, assisted us through the whole process, answered all of our questions, and was a strong advocate for us in dealing with the various agencies.
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.
cecelia crabbe
My phone consultation was very informative and very professional
Kathy Zeamer
Excellent session! Emily listened very well and responded with thoughtful questions that helped provide clarity for all.
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.
Pamela Chalip
My phone consultation with Emily went exceptionally well. Emily was informative, direct, clear and compassionate when speaking to me.She answered my questions, provided clear direction, and treated me with compassion. She also introduced the team, fees, and next steps which gave me confidence that Legacy Elder Law Center could give me a sucessful outcome.
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.
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.
devin sholty
Eliz was great, very informative, knowledgeable, and helpful to get us started down the path to assist in building us a protection plan for the future.
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.
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