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What Does Medicaid Planning Really Mean?
March 24, 2026
POSTED IN: Medicaid Planning TAGS: Medicaid, Medicaid for Married Couples
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Families often hear the term Medicaid planning, but many are unsure what it involves.The reality is that when a loved one requires skilled nursing care, one of the first questions families ask is how they will cover the cost.In the Atlanta area, nursing home care can exceed $10,000 a month.
Even families who have worked diligently and saved for years may find these expenses overwhelming.Simply put, Medicaid planning involves working with a Certified Elder Law Attorney to help someone qualify for Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid while protecting as many assets as possible.When One Spouse Needs Nursing Home CareThings can feel especially complicated when a married couple is involved.We often hear worried spouses say things like, If my husband goes on Medicaid, will I have any money left to live on? or The nursing home is telling me to apply for Medicaid, but Im afraid Ill lose everything.These concerns are quite common and entirely understandable.Protecting the Spouse at HomeThe good news is that Medicaid rules include protections for the spouse who stays at home, often called the community spouse.In fact, Medicaid laws are designed so that the healthy spouse is not left without resources.Georgia allows the spouse at home to retain certain assets and may permit a portion of the couples income to be directed to the spouse at home for living expenses.
The goal is to ensure that one spouses need for nursing home care does not financially devastate the other.There Are Planning OptionsEvery familys situation varies, but there are many planning strategies an experienced elder law attorney can use to help protect assets and income.These may include transfers between spouses, income allowances for the spouse at home, special trusts, and other legal tools.These concepts might seem complicated, but you dont have to navigate them on your own.With the right guidance, many married couples can protect a substantial part of their assets.Why Experience MattersA common misconception is that families must spend down everything before qualifying for Medicaid.
In many cases, thats not necessary if proper planning is done.Because every situation is unique, it is important to work with a Certified Elder Law Attorney who understands the rules and can create a plan tailored to your family.Fixing mistakes later is often far more costly than planning correctly from the beginning.If you would like to learn more, call Hurley Elder Care Law at 404-843-0121.Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you find the best care and financial solution for your loved one.
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Posted in Medicaid PlanningTags: Medicaid, Medicaid for Married Couples
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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.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.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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 I have been referring my clients to Hurley Elder Care Law for years now.My clients have been very satisfied with the care and information that they received from them.read moreread less Cynthia Mobley 12/03/2025 Effective and efficient advice and services forread moreread less William Stanhope 12/03/2025 Hurley Elder Care is truly exceptional.
As a Social Worker, I have had the privilege of working with families who needed support with Medicaid planning, wills, trusts, and comprehensive life- care planning, and every experience with this firm has been outstanding.Their team is knowledgeable, compassionate, and incredibly dedicated- an invaluable resource during some of lifes challenging transitions.Miles Hurley brings unmatched expertise and a calm, confident presence that immediately puts families at ease.
Kim Lewis is thorough and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure every detail is handled with care.Joanna Hurley consistently provides thoughtful guidance and clear communication, helping families navigate complex situations with confidence.Dawn Houston s warmth and professionalism make every interaction feel personal and reassuring.
Ali Metcalf, the new addition to the firm, is always helpful and kind.The entire team is truly priceless.Their commitment to excellence and genuine care for the people they serve sets them apart.
I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking elder law or life- care planning support.They are simply the best!read moreread less Nivedita Garabadu 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 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
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