Ahrens Deangeli Law Group

Getting Help Paying for Long Term CareLast month a woman came into our office and told us that her husband, who was paying thousands of dollars a month for long term care, had been denied for Medicaid because the couples life savings (that they held in an annuity) was too much and they would have to cash the annuity out and spend most of the money before Medicaid would help, leaving little for the wife to live on.  We explained that was not necessarily true, and we contacted the annuity company to make some important changes to the annuity. Her husband was approved for Medicaid within a few weeks, even the couple still had the same amount of savings.    Many families find it difficult or impossible to pay the high monthly cost of long term care.  It can be especially difficult when one spouse needs long term care but the couple is hesitant to spend all the life savings on that spouses care when the healthier spouse may have many years of life left.  However, it is possible to get help paying for care without becoming impoverished; but it is crucial to know how to qualify and use that help to your advantage.  For veterans and their spouses there is a program often called Aid and Attendance that helps veterans, and their spouses pay for long term care.  Currently, a married veteran paying for nursing home care may qualify for up to $2,642.83 per month from the VA to help pay for that care.  To qualify, in most situations a veteran needs to have served only 90 days of active duty, one day of which was during a period of war and cannot have had a dishonorable discharge.  A veteran does not need to have a service-connected disability to qualify.There are rules about assets and income to qualify for a VA Aid and Attendance pension.  Often, veterans are told they dont qualify when they make an initial inquiry to the VA.  However, before giving up, it is important that a family consult a VA accredited elder law attorney to check whether there is anything the veteran can do to change the financial situation and become eligible for the pension.  A good advisor may be able to help the family make changes to become eligible.Medicaid also has a program to help seniors pay for long term care.  Like the VA pension above, Medicaid has strict rules about assets and income.  However, Medicaid also has rules that can be used to the advantage of the person needing long term care.  Even if you have think your loved one does not qualify for any help, you must consult with an elder law attorney to see if anything can be done to help your loved one before they become impoverished.  In the story above, we used the Medicaid rules to help the womans husband qualify before the money was gone.There are many myths and misconceptions about long term care and how to pay for it.  There are resources available to help pay for care, but you must plan appropriately to make sure that you can get the help you need. However, even if you havent planned ahead, dont give up just because a friend or even a professional tells you cannot get any help.  People often get bad advice in this area; find an elder law attorney near you that can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.David J. Wilson, J.D., L.L.M., CELABoard Certified Elder Law Attorney, VA AccreditedJoshua C. P. Reams, B.A., J.D., NAELA Elder Law Attorney, VA Accredited

Don't Lose Your Life Savings to Long-Term Care Costs: Lifelines for Seniors and Their Families(1)   Medicaid: The A&D WaiverNavigating the high costs of long-term care can be incredibly stressful. We recently met a woman whose husband was paying thousands monthly for care. They were told he couldn't receive Medicaid help because their life savings, held in an annuity, were "too much." The advice they received was to cash it out and spend most of it, leaving very little for her.This is heartbreaking, but it's not always true that you have to spend everything you have. In this case, we made some important changes to their annuity. Within weeks, her husband was approved for Medicaid, even with the same savings! This allowed the wife to keep their nest egg while her husband received the care he needed.Are you facing similar concerns? You're not alone. Many families find it impossible to afford steep monthly care costs. It's especially tough when one spouse needs care, but they worry about using all their savings, potentially leaving the healthier spouse with nothing.The good news is that it is possible to get help paying for care without losing everything you've worked for. The key is understanding how to qualify for available programs and using the rules to your advantage. Another family was told to purchase a costly Medicaid Annuity, but the rules allowed their family to appeal their initial application and keep all their assets without any further steps. Medicaid has specific rules about assets and income. However, it also has provisions that can be used strategically to benefit the person who needs care and their family. Even if you believe your loved one won't qualify, don't assume the worst. As our examples demonstrate, a skilled elder law attorney can sometimes use Medicaid rules to help a person qualify before their money is gone. (2)   Help for Veterans and Their Spouses: The Aid & Attendance ProgramFor veterans and their spouses, the Aid and Attendance program can provide significant financial help for long-term care. A married veteran paying for care might qualify for up to $2,795.67 per month from the VA.To qualify, many veterans only need to have: Served at least 90 days active duty, with one day during a period of war. Received an honorable discharge. A service-connected disability is not required! While there are asset and income rules, don't give up if initially told you don't qualify. It's crucial to consult a VA-accredited elder law attorney. A knowledgeable advisor can often help families adjust their situation to become eligible.Don't Fall for Misconceptions Get the Right Advice!Many myths exist about long-term care and how to pay for it. Resources are available, but you often need proper planning and expert legal guidance. Even if you haven't planned far in advance, don't give up hope if discouraging advice comes from a friend or even another professional. Unfortunately, incorrect information is common.Your lifetime of hard work deserves protection. Find a qualified elder law attorney in Idaho who can help you understand your options and ensure your family's financial security.Joshua C. P. Reams, B.A., J.D., NAELAElder Law Attorney, VA AccreditedDavid J. Wilson, J.D., L.L.M., CELA Board Certified Elder Law Attorney

Understanding Elder Law in Boise, Idaho: Protecting the Rights, Assets, and Dignity of SeniorsPlanning for the future is one of the most important acts of care you can take for yourself and your loved ones. As we age, legal considerations surrounding health care, finances, housing, and long-term planning become increasingly complex. This is where Elder Law comes in and why the Ahrens Deangeli Law Group in Boise, Idaho, has earned a trusted reputation for guiding seniors and families through lifes most sensitive transitions with clarity, compassion, and expertise.What Is Elder Law?Elder Law is a specialized field of legal practice focusing on the unique needs of older adults. It covers a broad range of issues that affect aging individuals, such as:Estate planning and willsPowers of attorney and advance health care directivesGuardianships and conservatorshipsLong-term care planningMedicaid and Veterans benefitsProbate and trust administrationAsset protection and retirement planningUnlike general legal services, Elder Law attorneys take a holistic view of their clients wellbeing addressing financial, medical, and personal matters that intersect during the later stages of life.Why Elder Law Matters in Boise, IdahoBoise and the Treasure Valley are among the fastest-growing areas in the Pacific Northwest, and that includes their senior populations. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, more than 17% of Ada County residents are age 65 or older, a number expected to rise sharply over the next decade.As more families move to Boise for its quality of life and affordability, the demand for experienced Elder Law services has grown. From estate planning to Medicaid qualification, having a local attorney who understands both Idahos laws and the communitys resources can make all the difference.Boises mix of urban convenience and close-knit neighborhoods also means that seniors here often want to remain in their homes as long as possible. A thoughtful Elder Law plan ensures they can do so safely while also protecting assets, honoring healthcare wishes, and preparing for potential care transitions.The Ahrens Deangeli Law Group DifferenceFounded on integrity, experience, and a commitment to personalized service, Ahrens Deangeli Law Group has become a leading name in Elder Law throughout Idaho and the Mountain West. Their Boise office provides comprehensive legal solutions that adapt to each clients personal and financial circumstances.A Team Centered on Trust and ExpertiseEvery seniors situation is unique. Whether youre a retiree looking to update your will, a family member navigating Medicaid eligibility for a parent, or a caregiver managing complex financial matters, Ahrens Deangelis attorneys bring both technical skill and human understanding to each case.Tip from the team:Elder Law isnt just about preparing documents its about building peace of mind, says Joshua Reams of Ahrens Deangeli Law Group. We focus on helping families protect what matters most their loved ones, their legacy, and their sense of security.Key Areas of Elder Law Services1. Estate Planning and Asset ProtectionEstate planning is the foundation of a secure future. The team helps seniors create or update wills and trusts, designate powers of attorney, and structure assets to minimize taxes or legal disputes. Proper estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your family avoids unnecessary stress during transitions.2. Long-Term Care and Medicaid PlanningWith the cost of long-term care steadily increasing, its vital to plan early. Medicaid eligibility rules are complex and can easily overwhelm families. Ahrens Deangeli Law Group helps clients legally protect their assets while still qualifying for essential care benefits, including nursing home or in-home care coverage.3. Guardianships and ConservatorshipsWhen a loved one becomes unable to make safe or informed decisions, establishing legal guardianship or conservatorship may be necessary. The firm provides compassionate guidance throughout these sensitive proceedings to ensure the seniors dignity and best interests are preserved.4. Probate and Trust AdministrationLosing a loved one is difficult enough without navigating complicated probate laws. The firm assists executors and families through every step of the estate administration process from validating wills to distributing assets while ensuring compliance with Idahos probate code.5. Special Needs and Disability PlanningFor families caring for an adult child or loved one with disabilities, special needs trusts can protect eligibility for government benefits while providing long-term financial stability. Ahrens Deangeli Law Group designs customized plans to safeguard these critical supports.How Elder Law Empowers FamiliesWorking with an Elder Law attorney is more than just checking a box. Its about creating confidence for the years ahead.Here are a few ways proactive planning can benefit Boise families:Preserve assets from being depleted by nursing home or medical costsAvoid family conflict through clear legal instructionsPrevent financial exploitation or elder abuseEnsure medical wishes are honored through advance directivesSimplify transitions for heirs and caregiversAccess government programs and community resources efficientlyIn a city like Boise known for its strong sense of community and neighborly support Elder Law planning reinforces the values that make the Treasure Valley such a special place to grow older.Local Insight: Elder Care in BoiseBoise continues to attract retirees who value its balance of natural beauty, accessible healthcare, and low crime rate. With St. Lukes Boise Medical Center and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center providing exceptional geriatric and rehabilitation services, seniors in the region have access to comprehensive care networks.However, as Idahos senior population increases, so does the need for integrated legal and care planning. Many residents are turning to Ahrens Deangeli Law Group to help coordinate between financial advisors, healthcare providers, and family members to build cohesive plans that protect every aspect of senior life.Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Law1. Whats the difference between an Elder Law attorney and a general attorney?Elder Law attorneys specialize in the needs of aging clients including long-term care, Medicaid, and estate planning whereas general attorneys may not have the same depth of knowledge in these areas.2. When should I start planning for long-term care?Ideally, begin planning before care is needed. Early planning allows you to explore more options, protect assets, and avoid crisis-driven decisions.3. Can I protect my home if I need to go into a nursing facility?Yes, there are legal strategies that can help safeguard your home and other assets while still qualifying for Medicaid. These should be implemented carefully with the help of a qualified Elder Law attorney.4. What happens if I dont have a power of attorney or will?Without these documents, the court may appoint someone to make decisions for you or distribute your assets according to state law not necessarily according to your wishes. Drafting these now ensures your preferences are respected.5. Does Elder Law cover issues for younger adults with disabilities?Absolutely. Elder Law also addresses planning for individuals with long-term disabilities, including special needs trusts and guardianship arrangements.Why Choose a Local Boise Elder Law FirmChoosing a Boise-based Elder Law attorney means working with professionals who understand Idahos unique laws and the local senior care landscape. The Ahrens Deangeli Law Group works closely with area resources, including senior centers, care facilities, and medical providers, to ensure clients receive seamless support from every direction.Their long-standing commitment to Idaho families has made them a trusted partner in Elder Law, estate planning, and long-term care strategy.Take the Next Step Toward Peace of MindWhether youre beginning your retirement journey, helping an aging parent plan for the future, or navigating a sudden change in health or finances, the Ahrens Deangeli Law Group in Boise is here to help. Their compassionate attorneys understand that every clients situation is unique and every plan should be too.Visit their Seniors Blue Book profile to learn more or request a consultation: Ahrens Deangeli Law Group Boise, ID