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Retirement is one of the hardest planning functions of our working lives. What do we plan for? How much do we set aside? What approach will provide the best understanding of the cost-of-living expenses that are unknown today? While we are moving in unchartered territory working through this thought process on a personal level, there is always room to discover a prudent plan of action.
First, I have identified the most common approach to retirement planning. The three basics being utilized today are:
1) I need enough money for my day-to-day expenses
2) I want to set money aside to leave to my Heirs and
3) I want to check off items on my bucket list.
The most common approach does not address health care cost. If you do not include this in your plan you take from other parts of your plan, and it may be too late for adjusting for health care. Do not bankrupt your retirement. Do your planning right. Get your review today! Get on the right path!
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Jennifer L Erickson with AAA Medicaid Consulting. She may be
reached at 719-459-2519.
Understanding the financial aspects of home care is crucial for many families. Its about knowing your options, who to talk to, and where to begin. At Amazing Care, were here to help you navigate through the maze of home care payment options, ensuring you make informed decisions regarding paying for home care services.Home care, an essential service for many, can sometimes be a financial burden. However, with the right information and resources, you can find ways to manage these costs effectively. Amazing Care offers several payment options to alleviate this burden.Medicaid: A viable option for those who meet certain income and health requirements. Amazing Care accepts Medicaid for qualifying services, providing a lifeline for many in need of home care without the financial means to afford it out-of-pocket. For more detailed information on how you can utilize Medicaid for services at Amazing Care, visit our Medicaid payment options page.Medicare: Typically, Medicare covers medically necessary home health care services. If you or your loved one is a Medicare beneficiary, you might be eligible for coverage of Amazing Cares services. This includes nursing care, physical therapy, and more under certain conditions outlined by Medicare guidelines. To understand how Medicare can help cover your home care needs with Amazing Care, check out Amazing Cares Medicare guide.Private Insurance: Home care covered by insurance is available, and many private health insurance policies include home care services. Coverage details can vary widely, so its essential to contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy. Amazing Care works with numerous private insurance plans, assisting you in maximizing your benefits. For insights on navigating private insurance with Amazing Care, visit our private insurance payment options page.Starting this journey can be overwhelming, but youre not alone. The first step is to contact Amazing Care to discuss your needs and payment options. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process, ensuring you access the care you need without undue financial stress. By exploring Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance options, youll find a path to covering the costs of home care. Questions, please contact us at 303-755-3170.
Get ready for Community First Choice (CFC), a new State Medicaid program that expands access to HCBS services! Starting 07/01/25 your favorite home care services, i.e. Personal care (PC), Homemaker (HMK) and Health Maintenance Activities (HMA), will start to be transferred to CFC:While the main home care services (PC, HMK, HMA) are moving over to CFC, other services, such as adult day, respite and mentorship, etc. remain under their respective waivers. Clients will be able to access services under waivers and CFC at the same time. In addition, certain limitations, such as for relative personal care (up 8.5h per week or 40h per week under IHSS) are being replaced with new limitations for legally responsible individuals (520h per year for homemaker). There is also some broadening of existing service options through the introduction of acquisition, maintenance & enhancement of skills. As mentioned above, CFC is being introduced starting 07/01/2025 with clients moving over to CFC on their Continued Stay Review date (CSR). The process is expected to be completed by 06/30/2026. Alpine can help you navigate these upcoming changes. Just give us a call at 303-309-6202
Now that the Public Health Emergency has ended, all individuals currently enrolled in Medicaid will need to go through the redetermination process to ensure that they still qualify for Medicaid and the respective HCBS programs (which form the basis for receiving home care services).Here are a few things you should do in order to avoid experiencing delays or being denied your Medicaid:1) Confirm and/or update your contact information:This will ensure that you are receiving your Medicaid renewal paperwork at the correct location. You can update your address, phone number, and email information in one of these ways:Visit Colorado.gov/PEAK.If you do not have a PEAK account, you can create one Colorado.gov/PEAK.Use the Health First Colorado app on your phone. This free app is for Health First Colorado and CHP+ members. Download it for free in the Google Play or Apple App stores.CHP+ members can call 800-359-1991 (State Relay: 711). Help is available in multiple languages.Contact your County Department of Human Services or Social Services to change your contact information. You can find your county office at: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/our-partners/counties/contact-your-county-human-services-departmentContact Alpine at 303 309 6202 if you need assistance with this process.2. Check your mail for your Medicaid renewal letterYou will receive a letter and an email informing you of your renewal date. This date is very important, as it indicates when you can anticipate receiving your redetermination packet and begin the renewal process.PLEASE NOTE: Some individuals will be automatically renewed based on information that the State has them from other data sources. This means that some members will not receive a renewal packet but rather receive a notice of action letter that lets them know they are still eligible for coverage.The renewal letter will be sent from Consolidated Return Mail Center with URGENT PLEASE REPLY written in red.3. Receive and sign the redetermination packetHealth First Members should receive a renewal packet approximately 70 calendar days before their renewal deadline to allow time for completion. Your renewal date can be viewed at CO.gov/PEAK. Some individuals may need to provide additional information, e.g. changes in income, care needs, etc. Even if no additional information is needed, the packet MUST be signed and returned by the deadline listed.4. Return signed packetThe redetermination packet must be signed and returned on time. This can be completed via the following: 1) Online at: CO.gov/PEAK, 2) Through the Health First Colorado App, 3) By mail, fax, or bring the completed signature page and updated renewal form pages to the local county office.Alpine is here to help you every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 303-309-6202 if you need any help with your Medicaid redetermination!
Medicaid doesn't have to be confusing. We can help provide innovative solutions for your individual situation. With a background in long term care facility insurance processing, we have a wide range of resources. We provide assistance with application, redetermination, Income Trusts, trouble shooting concerns about Medicaid, Medicaid Real Estate. Our initial consultation is free and we are happy to help every step of the way to find your best solution.AAA Medicaid Consulting, LLC is dedicated to improving the standards of relaying important financial information to those entering into the Medicaid system and assisting in the application process. It is our goal to provide assistance so that the necessary protocols when applying for Medicaid are completed in a timely manner.
Medicaid doesn't have to be confusing. We can help provide innovative solutions for your individual situation. With a background in long term care facility insurance processing, we have a wide range of resources. We provide assistance with application, redetermination, Income Trusts, trouble shooting concerns about Medicaid, Medicaid Real Estate. Our initial consultation is free and we are happy to help every step of the way to find your best solution.AAA Medicaid Consulting, LLC is dedicated to improving the standards of relaying important financial information to those entering into the Medicaid system and assisting in the application process. It is our goal to provide assistance so that the necessary protocols when applying for Medicaid are completed in a timely manner.
Navigating the complexities of Medicaid for long-term care services can be overwhelming. With ever-changing policies, extensive paperwork, and financial eligibility requirements, understanding how to apply for and maintain Medicaid coverage can feel daunting. AAA Medicaid Consulting is here to simplify the process and provide expert assistance tailored to your unique situation.Understanding Medicaid for Long-Term CareMedicaid is a crucial resource for individuals who require long-term care services but lack the financial means to cover the costs. It provides coverage for nursing home care, assisted living, and in some cases, home-based services. However, qualifying for Medicaid requires meeting strict income and asset limits, which can be challenging to navigate without professional guidance.At AAA Medicaid Consulting, we specialize in helping individuals and families successfully apply for Medicaid, ensuring they receive the long-term care benefits they need. Our services include:Medicaid Application AssistanceRedetermination SupportIncome Trust SetupMedicaid Real Estate PlanningTroubleshooting Medicaid IssuesStep-by-Step Medicaid Application AssistanceApplying for Medicaid can be a lengthy process with numerous requirements. Heres how AAA Medicaid Consulting can guide you through each step:Step 1: Initial Consultation and Eligibility AssessmentBefore applying for Medicaid, its essential to determine whether you meet the financial and medical eligibility criteria. During our free initial consultation, we:Evaluate your income and assets.Review your medical care needs.Identify potential challenges that may arise in the application process.If adjustments are needed to meet Medicaids financial requirements, we provide strategic solutions, including setting up an Income Trust or advising on Medicaid-compliant real estate planning.Step 2: Gathering and Organizing DocumentationA Medicaid application requires extensive documentation, including:Proof of income (Social Security, pensions, annuities, etc.).Bank statements and financial records.Property deeds, vehicle titles, and asset information.Medical records and long-term care facility agreements.AAA Medicaid Consulting ensures that all necessary paperwork is gathered and organized properly to prevent application delays or denials.Step 3: Completing and Submitting the Medicaid ApplicationFilling out a Medicaid application incorrectly can lead to unnecessary delays or denials. We help:Accurately complete all required forms.Submit documentation to the appropriate Medicaid office.Follow up on application status and respond to additional information requests.Our goal is to ensure your application is processed as smoothly and quickly as possible.Step 4: Addressing Medicaid Eligibility ChallengesMany applicants face complications due to income or asset levels. AAA Medicaid Consulting provides solutions such as:Establishing Qualified Income Trusts (Miller Trusts) for individuals exceeding Medicaid income limits.Advising on Medicaid-compliant spend-down strategies.Handling Medicaid real estate concerns, including the sale or transfer of property in compliance with Medicaid regulations.We are committed to finding innovative solutions that align with Medicaid guidelines while protecting your financial interests.Redetermination and Ongoing Medicaid SupportOnce approved, Medicaid requires periodic redetermination to ensure continued eligibility. This process involves submitting updated financial and medical information. AAA Medicaid Consulting offers:Redetermination support, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.Troubleshooting Medicaid issues, such as coverage interruptions or unexpected denials.We work proactively to ensure that you or your loved one maintains Medicaid benefits without interruption.Medicaid Real Estate & Asset PlanningMedicaid has strict rules regarding homeownership and asset transfers. If not handled properly, owning real estate can affect eligibility. AAA Medicaid Consulting provides expert guidance on:Protecting your home while qualifying for Medicaid.Transferring or selling property in compliance with Medicaid regulations.Navigating Medicaid estate recovery rules.By working with us, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your assets are managed in a way that supports your long-term care needs.Why Choose AAA Medicaid Consulting? Expert Knowledge of Medicaid RegulationsWith a background in long-term care facility insurance processing and Medicaid policy, we provide accurate, up-to-date guidance. Personalized, Compassionate ServiceWe understand that Medicaid planning can be stressful. Our team provides one-on-one support, ensuring that each client receives tailored solutions.From application assistance to troubleshooting Medicaid issues, we offer end-to-end support throughout the entire Medicaid process.We offer a no-cost consultation to assess your situation and explore the best Medicaid planning options for you or your loved one.Medicaid doesnt have to be confusing. With AAA Medicaid Consulting by your side, you can navigate the Medicaid process with confidence. Whether you need help with a Medicaid application, redetermination, income trust setup, or Medicaid real estate planning, were here to provide expert solutions every step of the way.