The result of a nationwide class-action suit and an agreement from the administration may change the course of Medicare qualifications, which is hopeful news for those who previously had been left without coverage. As it stands, beneficiaries must show a probability of improvement before Medicare will approve therapy and skilled nursing care. Ditching this age-old practice could mean huge relief to those with chronic or long-term conditions.
For a perspective on the proposed settlement, turn to a recent article in The New York Times titled “Settlement Eases Rules for Some Medicare Patients.”
The Medicare board has had a longstanding practice to require a likelihood of medical or functional improvement before a beneficiary could receive coverage for skilled nursing or therapy services, whether institutional or home-based. That left many care recipients in a lurch. If this settlement goes through and becomes practice, then the requirement is no longer “improvement” but “maintenance.” Accordingly, Medicare will provide services if they are needed to “maintain the patient’s current condition or prevent or slow further deterioration.”
Not only would this be beneficial for those who have chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, but also for the families who are financially overextended from providing care to their loved ones.
We have two weeks remaining for the fall series of free educational workshops (Tuesday 11/13 and 11/20). Our recent workshops have been nearly sold-out! If you are interested or know someone who this information can help (maybe your parents or in-laws) be sure to register at the link below for the next free educational estate planning workshops asap:
Our recent workshops have been nearly sold-out!
To register for a free estate planning workshop at the learning center go here: http://www.myfamilylifeplan.com/workshops-Registration-Form.php
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation please call Attorney Patrick Kelleher at 781-871-PLAN (7526) or by email at Pat@myfamilylifeplan.com
Our firm helps families taking care of them for life. We not only “create” their Will and Trust, but we “maintain it and keep it updated” for them throughout their life! The meter is not running for our ‘Client Care Plan’ members!
Patrick J. Kelleher is a South Shore, MA resident and estate planning attorney serving and protecting families and businesses in the South Shore, MA area. For more information on estate planning visit our firm’s website at www.MyFamilyLifePlan.com where you can check out our Blog, free Newsletter library, free Estate Planning Channel on Youtube and sign up for a Free e-Newsletter!
Also serving the following communities South of Boston; Quincy, Milton, Braintree, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Scituate, Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset, Hull, Hanover, Pembroke, Duxbury, Marshfield, Plymouth, Rockland, Hanson, Halifax, Plympton, Carver, Abington, Whitman, Kingston
This article is not intended to provide legal or tax advice or create or imply an attorney-client relationship. No information contained herein is a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.
Reference: The New York Times (October 22, 2012) “Settlement Eases Rules for Some Medicare Patients
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