Keystone Law Firm June 2018

THE 2 MYTHS OF NURSING HOME BENEFITS

(Answer)

No matter where you are in the United States, nursing homes are expensive. While these senior living facilities provide care and comfort in old age, many fear that signing up will break the bank, leaving nothing for their loved ones. Medicaid can make this often- necessary expense more bearable. Yet few people pursue these government benefits. There is a great deal of confusion and misconception surrounding this very important decision, which makes the process that much more daunting. With that in mind, here are the two biggest myths about nursing home Medicaid benefits in Arizona. Many people falsely believe that they have to be homeless and penniless before they can qualify for Medicaid assistance. Arizona is an “income cap” state, meaning your income as a nursing home resident must be below $2,250 a month (for 2018). However, there are exceptions for those who make more. Residents of this state have the option of putting their income into what is known as a Miller Trust. These irrevocable documents name the nursing home the primary beneficiary of your countable assets but extend the umbrella of Medicaid coverage to larger income brackets. Having an experienced estate attorney draft one of these trusts can be a good option for those who can’t afford nursing home care but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid automatically. However, if you had a previous revocable trust drafted to pass on your legacy to your loved ones, you need to keep our second myth in mind. Some folks believe that just because they designated certain assets to their loved ones in a previous will or trust, it means that those assets are untouchable when they create a Miller Trust. Sadly, this is not the case. If you want to set aside anything for your loved ones, you need to act within the confines of the Miller Trust. You have options to leave a legacy while still getting the Medicaid assistance you need. However, this takes careful planning, so starting early and having the assistance of an experienced estate planner can make a big difference. At Keystone Law, we have helped many Arizonans afford the care they need while protecting as much as 80 percent of their assets. If you’re in need of nursing home care, stop by and chat with us. Myth 1: You have to be destitute to qualify. Myth 2: Regular trusts will defend your assets from Miller Trusts.

Recipe:

Father’s Day Chili Lime Chicken Wings

This Father’s Day, spice up your wings with this zesty recipe that’s sure to please the

whole family.

Ingredients Instructions • 4 pounds chicken wings • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened • 1 1/4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste • 1/4 cup honey • 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 lime, halved • Extra-virgin olive oil • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • Chopped cilantro for garnish

1. Heat oven to 425 F.

2. Rinse wings under cold water and pat dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast on a baking sheet for 25 minutes or until skin becomes crisp and brown.

3. Blend butter, red curry paste, honey, and soy sauce in a large mixing bowl.

4. Toss wings in butter mixture. Squeeze lime juice on top, transfer to serving plate, and garnish with cilantro.

Inspired by foodnetwork.com

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