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Confusing topics and Often Asked Questions
May 12, 2026
POSTED IN: Medicaid Planning TAGS: Medicaid, Medicare
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When it comes to planning for aging loved ones, there is no shortage of confusion.Families often come to us feeling overwhelmed, having read conflicting information online or heard advice that simply is not accurate.The truth is that elder law is complex and highly specific to each situation.

Misunderstandings about Medicaid, estate planning, and long-term care can lead to unnecessary stress and costly mistakes.We thought addressing some of those confusing topics and often-asked questions would be helpful.Medicaid EligibilityOne of the biggest concerns we hear is about Medicaid eligibility.Many people assume that if a loved ones income is too high, they will automatically be disqualified.

That is not always the case.With proper planning tools, such as a Qualified Income Trust, eligibility may still be possible even when income exceeds the standard limit.Medicaid Estate RecoveryAnother common fear is losing the family home.This often stems from a lack of knowledge about Medicaid Estate Recovery.

While the state may seek reimbursement after someone passes away, there are strategies that can delay or even avoid recovery when handled properly.The right legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting what matters most.Exempt and Countable Assets for Medicaid QualificationWe also frequently hear misinformation around assets.Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are often assumed to count against Medicaid eligibility.

In Georgia, however, these accounts are considered exempt and when structured properly, can positively impact a familys planning options.Medicare Confusion for RehabilitationHealthcare coverage is another area where myths can create real consequences.Many families are surprised to learn that time spent in a hospital under observation status does not count toward Medicares three-day inpatient requirement for skilled nursing coverage.If a discharge to a skilled nursing or rehab facility is likely, make sure your loved one is admitted under inpatient status, not observation.

Medicare requires a minimum three-day inpatient hospital stay to qualify for sub-acute rehab coverage.Observation status doesnt count, which can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs.Every familys situation is different, and relying on general information or assumptions can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary challenges.Our goal is to replace confusion with clarity and fear with confidence so you can make informed decisions for your loved ones.

Dont let assumptions stand in the way of the planning you deserve.Call Hurley Elder Care Law today at 404-843-0121.
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Posted in Medicaid PlanningTags: Medicaid, Medicare

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Essential Estate Planning Documents: Making Choices, Taking Action Medicaid Eligibility: Myths, Misconceptions and Misinformation What to Do When a Loved One Dies Checklist NEW Being Prepared: A Practical Guide to Getting Your Affairs in Order

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Client TestimonialsVery comfortable atmosphere.They treat you like you are one of the family.Val B.Due to aging, escalating health and cost concerns for both my husband and myself, I chose to work with Hurley Elder Care to do care and estate planning.

I am so very pleased with the result.I have a much improved understanding of the complexity of this process, the necessary documents, timing, regulations and the need for professional guidance.Gina M.Hurley Elder Care Law went to work for my Mother and navigated all of the Government red tape and got her approved for Medicaid in short order.I, as her POA, could not even begin to climb the mountain of paperwork on my own.David Q.Superb service through a difficult maze of governmental regulations and requirements which are not navigable by an individual without a depth of knowledge that far exceeds mine.Wallace M.It's impossible to accurately describe the lost feeling of realizing you need power of attorney, updated will and general guidance all of a sudden when dealing with a parent with dementia.

The firms responsiveness has been superb, their work flawless and their advice kind, compassionate and professional.I'll forever know that their guidance prevented us from making many bad decisions.Neal R.All I can say is Wow ! I have never seen a team attack and solve a problem like Hurley.We lost our father and two weeks later our mother suffered a severe stroke.

Nursing home costs were draining their life savings, but Hurley found a solution and got things under control.Gary G.
How does anyone know where to turn when you have a loved one who needs nursing home Medicaid? What do you do when you have know knowledge of estate requirements and you need help with what can be a stressful situation? You call Hurley Elder Care Law.We got so much help with getting my mom eligible for Medicaid after her stroke.She sadly passed away soon after and they were there when we had estate business to tend to.

We had absolutely no idea what to do or where to go but Hurley was there and I highly recommend them to anyone with elderly family for estate planning and also working with nursing home Medicaid issues.We have referred family to them and friends as well.You do not have to feel like you don't know what to do next because they are there to help.

It really took a stressful load off of us.read moreread less Emily Morris 5/01/2026 Hurley helped my family so much through the Probate process.They were extremely professional, compassionate, reliable, knowledgable, and wonderful to work with.I would highly recommend them.

Look no further for your legal team.Give them a call.Definitely 5 Star work!read moreread less Elizabeth King 4/08/2026 Getting my affairs in order has been weighing on me for some time.

Not having any idea where to turn, I spent a good deal of time researching the web for a law firm that seemed to share my values and show empathy and professionalism towards what I was trying to do.I could not be happier with my experience with Anna Stallings, JD, with Hurley Elder Care Law.I felt she was genuinely interested in me as a person and cared about what I wanted to do.

She was confident, wise and professional, and presented herself warmly.I felt very comfortable with her guidance and am beyond happy with the results of my time with her.I would not hesitate to suggest Anna or this firm to any of my friends for elder law assistance.read moreread less Pam Martin 3/01/2026 Hurley Elder Care Law prepared my mom's will and, when the time came, helped us thru the Gwinnett Co.

probate process.Their team was very helpful, courteous and responsive throughout the will preparation and the probate process.Anna Stallings was especially helpful during the probate process which was confusing (to me), long and, by it's nature, occurs during a difficult time.

Thank you to everyone at Hurley Elder Care Law.read moreread less Bill Dunn 2/25/2026 Anna with Hurley Elder Care Law has done a wonderful job with my mom's estate during the entire Probate process! The whole team is kind, caring, very knowledgeable in this field and we are so thankful we chose them to represent my mom's estate! They really are the best at what they do!!read moreread less Lori K 12/17/2025 As an Aging LifeCare Manager, I highly recommend Hurley Elder Law for their certified legal expertise and commitment to the holistic Life Care Planning model.Their team expertly navigates complex public benefits (Medicaid/VA) and asset protection, ensuring our mutual clients receive financially secure and seamless care.We consistently rely on their compassionate advocacy and integrated Care Coordination for the best possible outcomes during difficult transitions.

Bridgett Skelton, RN, BSN, MBA, CMC, Aging LifeCare Managerread moreread less bridgett skelton 12/04/2025 I've been working with Miles for many years.He and his team are consummate professionals with compassion, knowledge and expertise.read moreread less Matt Hudgins 12/04/2025 Hurley is the best! They are always so helpful and kind! We appreciate everyone on their team! I highly recommend them.read moreread less Kristen Hardman 12/04/2025 The entire team at Hurley Elder Care Law Firm have been wonderful partners in providing legal assistance to my clients.They have a holistic approach to supporting seniors and their families which is unique.

Im grateful for the work they do!read moreread less Victoria Archable 12/04/2025 I highly recommend Hurley Elder Care Law to anyone who is looking for quality in an attorney who care about you and your loved one.read moreread less Cindy Lofton Stroud 12/04/2025 Great quality of service and working with them is very easy! Responds timely to every concern.read moreread less mariah Ellis 12/04/2025 As a gerontologist who provides care consultations and care planning for individuals and families navigating Alzheimers or a related dementia, I refer only to trusted elder law firms.Hurley has been at the top of my list for years.I refer to this firm with confidence that clients will receive not only excellent legal counsel but also the additional care and support they need during one of the most challenging times in their lives.read moreread less Mary Caldwell 12/04/2025 Very professional, excellent communication, Great processes In place.

I recommend anyone needing Elder assistance to Hurley Law.You won't be disappointed!!!!read moreread less kira williams 12/03/2025 Ever since I started serving the aging population, Hurley Elder Care is the gold standard for estate planning! I have always been grateful that they value the social work needs of their clients along with legal.They advocate for those they serve and work well within the community.

Not Your Average Joe loves having them as a resource.read moreread less Amy McWilliams 12/03/2025 Hurley Elder Law has been an exceptional partner to our clients at ElderVizor.We absolutely love working with their team.They are consistently responsive, knowledgeable, and deeply compassionatequalities that make a tremendous difference for the families we serve.

Their guidance brings clarity to complex situations, and they always go above and beyond to ensure clients feel supported and protected throughout the process.We never hesitate to refer families to them because we know they will be in excellent hands.A special shout-out to Kim Lewis, who is truly wonderful to work with.

Kim is warm, professional, and incredibly dedicated.Our clients consistently share positive feedback about their experience with her.We are grateful for this partnership and highly recommend Hurley Elder Law to anyone seeking trustworthy and expert elder law support.

Jona Olivia Payne, ElderVizorread moreread less Jona Olivia Payne 12/03/2025 Effective and efficient advice and services forread moreread less William Stanhope 12/03/2025












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