70% of people over 65 will need some type of long-term care (LTC). 70% of applicants applying for LTC Medicaid on their own are denied due to inaccurate information. Here in Colorado, the average cost for LTC is $8,758 per month according to 2020 state information. However, there are solutions for how to pay for the high costs of LTC that protect income and assets. Based on the statistics above there is a huge need for services that help people navigate the LTC Medicaid application. A Medicaid planning agency can educate on the financial programs available and expose the plethora of inaccurate LTC Medicaid information.  Most Colorado Seniors who need help paying for LTC feel they will not qualify for Medicaid because they have too much income or assets. Some Seniors believe they must spend down (myth #1).  In reality, many could qualify if they had the information from a knowledgeable professional, holding a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) designation. A CMP assists and educates on how to meet all qualifications and can provide numerous opportunities to protect income and assets! Editor's Note:  This article was written by Stacy Osborne, MBA CMP with Beneficent.  She can be reached by phone at 719 645-8350 or by email @info@doinggoodforothers.com. 

What You Have HeardAsk yourself, was the info you heard from a Certified Medicaid Planner?Medicaid Misconception #1 - You can only have $2,000.FACTSSingle applicants have a resource limit of $2,000. (in 2024) A married applicant has a resource limit of about $150,000. (in 2024)Medicaid Misconception #2 - Your home will be taken from you if you are on Medicaid.FACTSAll applicants are allowed to have 1 home and 1 car. There are ways to avoid Medicaid estate recovery, an applicant can receive Medicaid and keep their home.Medicaid Misconception #3 - You make too much money.FACTS If you are over the income limit, Beneficent can provide the legal steps using the Medicaid code to bypass being over the income limit.Medicaid Misconception #4 - You must spend down to $2,000 to qualify for Medicaid.FACTSThis is an option, however not your only option. If you want to preserve the hard-earned assets you or your loved one has worked their entire life, you can!Medicaid Misconception #5 - Why doesnt everyone apply for Long-term Care Medicaid if the other outcome statements are true?FACTSMany are deceived by misinformation and preconceived notions. There's a game-changer you need to know about - Certified Medicaid Planners (CMP) - we know the rules and regulations.You can find all the CMPs in the United States here, (https://cmpboard.org/locate-a-cmp/)  there arent too many of us! Need to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Medicaid Planners at Beneficent? Book here (https://calendly.com/doinggoodforothers) or call our office (719.645.8350) for more appointment times.

Hello, allow us to introduce ourselves! We are Beneficent, and we provide trustworthy long-term care guidance for deeply caring family members facing a critical long-term care financial crisis.Beneficent helps clients understand, prepare, and qualify for programs covering high costs of Long-term Care including assisted living, adult day care, home care, or skilled nursing homes for seniors and disabled adults.As Certified Medicaid Planers Read our Top 5 questions we hear most.Must I spend down to $2,000 to apply for long-term care Medicaid? No, reducing your assets to $2,000 is not the only route to qualify for Long-term Care Medicaid if your income exceeds the limits. By leveraging legal strategies within Medicaid regulations, we can assist in navigating the income requirements.For 2024, a single applicant is expected to have a resource limit of $2,000, while the limit for a married applicant is about $150,000 If I accept Medicaid assistance will I lose my home?Once a Medicaid recipient passes, the state may seek reimbursement of the amount they paid for in long-term care costs. However, proper planning can protect a home and other assets from a Medicaid claim.I have been told I make too much money to qualify for Long-term Care Medicaid?The best way to figure out your best options is to schedule your first free initial consultation with Beneficent on our home page. (www.doinggoodforothers.com)During that time, we'll review and evaluate your assets to determine if we can help you qualify for a long-term plan4. Is Medicaid Planning legal and ethical?Proper Medicaid planning is legal and ethical and it works to ensure that all rules and regulations are followed.Medicaid planning seeks out effective methods of securing eligibility while preserving assets for the future benefit of the applicant and the applicants loved ones5. Should I apply for Medicaid or VA Aid + Attandance on my own?We appreciate your determination to tackle the application process independently. However, it's important to note that many individuals find themselves facing denials due to the complexity of the process.To support you, we offer a complimentary 1-hour consultation where we share our expertise on how to file for and qualify for these benefitscompletely free of charge.If you feel prepared to dedicate the significant amount of time required and are ready to manage the intricate details involved, we are more than willing to equip you with all the necessary information. Our goal is to ensure that you are informed and confident in whichever path you choose to take, whether it's proceeding on your own or seeking further assistance. Remember, our guidance during the consultation is meant to empower you with knowledge, but navigating the process can still be a challenging endeavor. Call us to schedule an appointment. 719.645.8350 - OR - read more of our FAQs on our website. www.doinggoodforothers.com/faqs 

Meet Charlie and Fran. They have three children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren so far! They have hopes and dreams for their future generations and have worked hard to ensure their legacy is passed on. As they age, they realize that if either one of them needs Long-term Care, that their property and other assets could be at risk. They need accurate information they can trust so that if Long-term Care needs come on suddenly, they are prepared and able to protect their assets.It is estimated that over 70% of people over 65 will need some type of Long-term Care (LTC) according to the US Department of Health & Human Services. Colorado has many resources for financial help like Health First Colorado, Colorados Medicaid Program and Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension that will help pay for in-home care, assisted living, and nursing facility care.Most Colorado elderly who needs help paying for LTC feel that they will not qualify for these programs because they have too much income or too many assets. In reality, many could qualify if they had the information from a knowledgeable professional, holding a VA Accreditation or a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) designation. The problem is that often plans for one program will conflict with good planning for the other. With uncertain care costs it is valuable to have one person or firm who understands multiple programs for assistance to ensure that in planning for one solution, an applicant isn't disqualifying themselves for future aid from other programs. Aid and Attendance is available only to veterans who have served during wartime. It has a cap to benefits and if costs of care exceed the VA maximum benefit, then other programs will offer a better solution.The rules of eligibility are readily available online. However, incomplete or inaccurate advice often causes people to think they must spend down to qualify for these programs. This simply is not true and can lead to an unnecessary liquidation of the assets people have worked a lifetime to obtain.There are legitimate means of preserving valuable or sentimental assets and income. Here in Colorado, to the surprise of many, following guidelines carefully afford numerous opportunities to protect income and assets. Consulting with an accredited firm and CMP that specializes in LTC financial solutions can help you and your family to file a successful application and qualify for the program that has the best financial outcome for your family.Editor's Note: This article was written by Stacy Osborne, MBA CMP with Beneficent. She can be reached by phone at 719-645-8350 or by email at: info@doinggoodforothers.com

Seniors, disabled adults, and our friends working with seniors all feel the same sense of chaos as being in a busy coffee shop with just one employee. Understanding the programs that pay for long-term care for seniors or disabled adults can be overwhelming and stressful because there are so many misconceptions about the qualifications. Long-term care programs coverassisted livingadult day carehome careand nursing homesBeneficent Cuts through the Complex Long-term Care Program Qualification in 4 Steps1.    Schedule a Free Initial ConsultationLearn more about what we can do for you to preserve assets.2.   Make a PlanThrough an assessment of financial circumstances, we will begin to make a road map of the best options for you.3.   Youll Have OptionsWe explore legitimate opportunities to preserve assets.4.    Financial Application Confidence and AssuranceYou can select the best option. We will complete a successful application and outcome. Beneficent provides a stress-free experience with information you can trust. Contact our office at 719.645.8350 to learn more.

5 Minute ReadDo you or someone you love need long-term care? If so, understanding the basics of Long-term Care Medicaid can be an invaluable resource. Long-term Care Medicaid helps Seniors and Disabled Adults pay for the high costs of ongoing medical and personal care services. In this blog post, Stacy Osborne, CEO of Beneficent, will discuss what Long-term Care Medicaid is and how it can help those in need of ongoing medical and personal support. What is Long-term Care Medicaid? Since April 1999, Beneficent has been privileged to successfully assist more than 3000 families and individuals through the long-term care Medicaid and VA applications while preserving assets.Long-term Care Medicaid is a financial assistance program that helps pay for medically necessary long-term care services. This includes nursing home care, home health services, assisted living facility services, adult day health services, hospice care, respite care, and more. It is available to people who are aged 65 or older; blind; disabled (as defined by the Social Security Administration); or medically needy (those who have high medical expenses which exceed their income). Eligibility for Long-term Care Medicaid in ColoradoIn order to qualify for coverage through a states Long-term Care Medicaid program, individuals must meet certain criteria regarding their residence status and citizenship/immigration status as well as a financial assessment. The financial assessment looks at things like income level and assets owned by the applicant. Since April 1999, Beneficent has been privileged to successfully assist more than 3000 families and individuals through the long-term care Medicaid and VA applications while preserving assets.Benefits of Applying for Long-term Care Medicaid Though it can take some time to navigate through all of the paperwork involved in applying for coverage under one of these programsit could end up saving money in the long run while providing much needed relief when it comes to accessing necessary healthcare services. Applying for Long-term Care Medicaid can provide numerous benefits to those needing long-term care assistance. Not only can it help cover the cost of needed medical aid such as nursing home stays or home health aides; it could also cover the cost of personal aids such as assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers; transportation assistance; meal delivery programs; homemaking and chore services; adult daycare centers; medication management programs; personal emergency response systems; occupational therapy; physical therapy among other things that many seniors need assistance with on a daily basis.                                                                                                                                                                                                               Overall, applying for Long-term Care Medicaid can be an invaluable resource if you or someone you love needs ongoing medical or personal support due to age, disability or any other qualifying factor that might make them eligible for coverage under a states specific program guidelines. Though it can take some time to navigate through all of the paperwork involved in applying for coverage under one of these programsit could end up saving money in the long run while providing much needed relief when it comes to accessing necessary healthcare services. Ultimately this could lead to better quality of life down the roadmaking it worth every step taken along the way!Skip the headache of trying to apply for Long-term Care Medicaid on your own and call 719.645.8350 Beneficent to schedule a FREE initial consultation. We work with residents across the state of Colorado. Stacy OsborneBeneficent CEO719.645.8350  

What to KNOW and What to DO NOWIt is estimated that 70% of all of us who reach age 65 will need some level of Long-Term Care. Here in Colorado the average cost for Long term care is $8758 per month according to 2020 state information. By nature, only about 15% of us are wired for advanced planning. So, this article is for the rest of us. Not planning in advance causes us to avoid the issue until we can no longer care for our loved one or worse yet, we become a caregiver who is injured in the process or worn to a frazzle by 24 hour caregiving. Often we avoid planning because we are afraid of learning that we may lose everything paying for care. Heres some practical things to know and do now so you can stop worrying about the cost of Long Term Care for yourselfor for ones you love.Things to Know:There are ways to get care paid for here in Colorado and still preserve hard-earned assets.Health First Colorado will pay for in home care, including paying a family member to provide care.They will pay for assisted living, full skilled care and adult day care.Meeting the qualifications for programs if you have assets can be tricky but, with education (and that can be free) you can quickly learn the rules that apply to your financial situation.The VA through Aid & Attendance will also help pay for costs if you served during wartime.Things to DO:Find someone who can give you accurate information. Google: VA & Medicaid Education Colorado and the BBB, www.bbb.org/southern-colorado . Read what others say about these companies. The BBB checks companies out thoroughly and the BBB has an AGE FRIENDLY designation if the company has been approved as trustworthy for the senior population.Find a firm that understands VA & Health First Colorado Programs. If the firm only knows one program, you wont get the full picture.Find a firm that can refer multiple attorneys since legal legal documents and advice may be needed.Find a firm who will give you information and options at no cost so you can decide what is best for you.Editors Note: This article was written by Stacy Osborne, MBA CMP with Beneficent. She can be reached by phone at 719-645-8350 or by email at: info@doinggoodforothers.com

5 Minute ReadLong-term care is an important topic that affects about 70% of all of us who reach age 65 and our loved ones. That 70% represents those of us who will need some level of Long-term Care.   What is long-term care exactly? Care that is available for individuals who need help with the basic activities of daily living. Long-term care services include assisted living, adult day care, home care, or a skilled nursing facility.Its important to understand the fundamentals of long-term care, so we can make informed decisions for our future and those of our loved ones. Lets explore the 3 primary concerns with long-term care and where to start when it comes time to make decisions. Availability of Services Long-term care services are in high demand today due to an aging population. This means that its important to research your options as early as possible in order to secure the best services for your needs. Knowing what services are available in your area will help you make the best decision for yourself or your loved one. Costs Costs and quality of care are the utmost concern for most family members, seniors, or disabled adults needing long-term care. Here in Colorado, the average cost for Long-term Care is $8,758 per month according to 2020 state information. You may be able to take advantage of Long-term Care Medicaid or VA Aid and Attendance which can help offset the costs of long-term care services. Most are told they do not qualify for these programs, however, its best to meet with a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) to discuss your options.       Quality & Safety Considerations When selecting a provider for long-term care services, its essential to do your research and find out more about their reputation and track record when it comes to quality and safety standards. Look into reviews from past customers and ask questions about any accreditations they have received from third-party organizations such as The Better Business Bureau. These organizations provide independent evaluations that can give you peace of mind when selecting a provider for yourself or someone else. Long-term care is an important consideration for many people today, regardless of age or current health status. Although it can seem overwhelming at times, understanding the primary concerns associated with long-term care will help ensure that you are making informed decisions regarding availability, cost, quality, and safety considerations. If you want to feel more confident about long-term care plans for yourself or your loved one schedule an appointment with Stacy Osborne, a Certified Medicaid Planner. In just 1 hour, you will walk away with legitimate ways to pay for long-term care and this meeting is completely FREE.  Stacy Osborne, MBA, CMP   Beneficent CEO  719.645.8350

5 Minute ReadUnderstanding Long-Term Care Medicaid and InsuranceThe #1 cause for people filing for bankruptcy due to medical bills. A new study from academic researchers found that 66.5 percent of all bankruptcies were tied to medical issues. Therefore, the cost of long-term care is often a major concern for families. When it comes to managing the costs associated with long-term care, there are 2 primary options available to individuals and families.Long-term Care MedicaidLong-term Care Insurance Before deciding which option is the best fit, its important to understand the differences between these two types of coverage. Read on to learn more about understanding Long-term Care Medicaid and Insurance.Long-term Care MedicaidLong-term care Medicaid is a government program that provides medical and related services for people who meet certain income and resource requirements. This program is jointly funded by state and federal governments, so the details can vary from state to state. In general, eligibility requirements include being over 65 years old, blind or disabled and needing help with more than 2 of the activities of daily living. (Activities of daily living examples getting dressed, bathing, cooking, and more.) In some cases, individuals may be eligible for Long-term Care Medicaid even if their income and resources exceed the eligibility limits. Long-term Care InsuranceIn contrast to Long-term Care Medicaid, Long-term care insurance is an individual policy that you purchase from an insurance company. This type of coverage pays for custodial services such as assistance with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing as well as inpatient nursing home stays up to a predetermined amount per day. It can also cover other professional services like adult daycare programs or home health aides. Depending on your policy, you may also be eligible for additional benefits such as mental health treatment or respite services for family members who are providing care at home.Pros and ConsMany people find that they cannot afford the high premiums associated with Long-term Care Insurance, and Medicaid is a great option when it comes to paying for long-term costs.  Preexisting conditions may also hinder an applicants ability to attain a Long-term Care Policy. With a lot of misinformation, many people also find it hard to determine if they are even eligible for Medicaid.                                                                                                                                     Deciding which type of coverageLong-term Medicaid vs Insuranceis right for your situation can be difficult because of their complexities. Both options have their pros and cons but understanding them both can help guide you toward making an informed choice about how best to manage the costs associated with long-term care. Need to determine if you are eligible for Medicaid? Meet with Stacy Osborne, a Medicaid Certified Planner. In 1 hour, you will walk away with a Long-term Care plan in place at no charge.  Stacy Osborne, MBA, CMP   Beneficent CEO  719.645.8350

THANK GOODNESS FOR BENEFICENT!!!Client Testimonial by Cindy Powell5 Minute ReadI am the court-appointed legal guardian and conservator for my mother, who has dementia. What an extreme blessing it was, to meet a (expert Certified Medicaid Planning Agency) Beneficent representative at a Halloween event at Fountain Valley Senior Center in October 2021. I worked in Adult Assistance Payments at El Paso County DHS in the past, and I only knew about spend down. When I mentioned that I was working toward spending down Moms resources to $2000. (Which included cashing in on Moms life insurance policies, spending the cash surrender values toward Moms memory care), The Beneficent representative stated absolutely not, Mom could qualify for Long-term Care Medicaid without spending down, and Beneficent could instruct and assist me in applying for Long-term Care Medicaid on Moms behalf. At the Halloween event, I took Beneficents business card, made an appointment, and it was the very best thing I ever could have done for Mom, as her conservator. The resources that were preserved will definitely be helpful to pay legal fees to file Moms annual guardian and conservator reports, and an accountant to prepare and file her annual income tax returns. Long-term Care Medicaid recipients receive under $200/mo. personal care allowance. Being retired on a limited Social Security income, I certainly couldnt afford those legal and accountant expenditures.Another significant thing to mention is Moms combined incomes exceed income limits for Long-term Care Medicaid, yet, is insufficient to pay Moms memory care room and board. Without Beneficents expert guidance, I would have known nothing about Medicaid income trust accounts and might have been forced to bring Mom home after spending down all of her resources. I certainly couldnt have safely provided care for Mom and could have prematurely died from the stress. Beneficents fee is a flat fee, there isnt nickel and diming all along the way. The fee we paid was worth every penny, as the fee was a small percentage in comparison to the resources preserved. Had I not enlisted Beneficent to apply for Long-term Care Medicaid on my mothers behalf, Mom would have been destitute, with only $2000 maximum in remaining resources. I am extremely grateful to my Beneficent Case Manager for keeping me informed every step of the way throughout the application process. Even after my mother was approved for Long-term Care Medicaid, my Beneficent Case Manager welcomed my calls and emails, continuing to provide her expertise. I will forever be grateful to Beneficent for enhancing the quality of the remainder of Moms (and my) life. If you want to feel more confident about Long-term Care plans for yourself or your loved one schedule an appointment with Stacy Osborne, a Certified Medicaid Planner. In just 1 hour, you will walk away with legitimate ways to pay for Long-term care and this meeting is completely FREE.  Stacy Osborne, MBA, CMP   Beneficent CEO  719.645.8350

Meet Charlie and Fran. They have lived on their family farm for 50+ years. To ensure their assets are safe for future generations, Charlie and Fran consulted with a Certified Medicaid Planner. Charlie and Fran have 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. They have worked hard and have enjoyed 50+ years of life on their family farm. This place is important to their entire family. Knowing that over 70% of people over 65 will need some type of long-term care (LTC), Charlie and Fran needed guidance and accurate information to prepare for the uncertain future. Whether they suddenly needed LTC, or if LTC was years away, Charlie and Fran wanted to ensure future generations can enjoy the things they worked hard for their entire life including the farm.Colorado has many resources for financial help like Health First Colorado, and Colorados Medicaid Program. Medicaid helps with in-home care, assisted living, and nursing facility care. Most Colorado Seniors who need help paying for LTC feel they will not qualify for Medicaid because they have too much income or too many assets. In reality, many could qualify if they had the information from a knowledgeable professional, holding a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) designation. The role of a CMP is to assist, correct, and complete a Medicaid application. A CMP works with the Department of Human Services to gain approval for LTC Medicaid. Incomplete or inaccurate advice often causes Seniors to think that spend down is the only way to qualify for LTC Medicaid. This simply is not true and can lead to an unnecessary spend down and/or liquidation of the limited assets Seniors have worked a lifetime to obtain.There are legitimate means of preserving valuable or sentimental assets and income. Here in Colorado, the Medicaid guidelines afford numerous opportunities to protect income and assets. Consulting with a CMP who specializes in LTC can help you, your family, or a loved one to file a successful application and qualify for LTC Medicaid.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Stacy Osborone, MBA, CMP . She is the CEO of Beneficent and may be reached at719-645-8350 or by email at; info@doinggoodforothers.com

Meet Charlie and Fran. They have three children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. They have worked hard and enjoy life on their small family farm. This place is important to their entire family. As they age, they realize that if either one of them needs Long Term Care, that their property and other assets could be at risk.They need accurate information they can trust so that if Long Term Care needs come on suddenly, or if Long Term Care is some years away, they are prepared and are doing all they can to ensure that their future generations can enjoy this farm and other things they have worked hard for.It is estimated that over 70% of people over 65 will need some type of Long Term Care(LTC) according to the US Department of Health & Human Services. Colorado has many resources for financial help like Health First Colorado, Colorados Medicaid Program. Medicaid will help with in home care, assisted living and nursing facility care.Most Colorado elderly who need help paying for LTC feel that they will not qualify for Medicaid because they have too much income or too many assets. In reality, many could qualify if they had the information from a knowledgeable professional, holding a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) designation. The role of a CMP is to assist an applicant file a complete and correct Medicaid application and work with the Department of Human Services to gain approval for LTC Medicaid.The rules around Medicaid eligibility are readily available online. Incomplete or inaccurate advice often causes people to think that spend down is the only way to qualify for LTC Medicaid. This simply is not true and can lead to an unnecessary spend down and/or liquidation of the limited assets people have worked a lifetime to obtain.There are legitimate means of preserving valuable or sentimental assets and income. Here in Colorado, to the surprise of many, the Medicaid guidelines afford numerous opportunities to protect income and assets. Consulting with a CMP who specializes in LTC can help you and your family to file a successful application and qualify for Long Term Care Medicaid.Editors Note: This article was written by Stacy Osborne, CMP with Medicaid Consulting Group. She can be reached at 719-645-8350 or by email at info@medicaidconsultant.org.

If the high cost of long-term care was not an obstacle, how much care would you or your loved one need? Beneficent has been privileged to successfully assist more than 3000 families and individuals through asset preservation in the face of high long-term care costs for over 20 years. Our work is much more than just a business. It is an opportunity to practice our faith through compassionate service that sees every individual as one of infinite worth. Did you know that 70% of all of us who reach age 65 will need some level of Long-Term Care? Weve heard hundreds of stories all with the same concern how to get the best long-term care in place for themselves or loved ones. Children worry about their parents falling. Spouses are concerned about how they can continue to care for their partner who is rapidly mentally and physically declining. Adults want to know about a financial plan because the average cost for Long-term care is $8758 per month according to current Colorado state information. Families are stressed about losing everything in order to pay for long-term care. We have heard it all. No matter what your circumstance, 100% of our clients who are seniors and disabled adults have leveraged the programs to pay for the best care they need, not how much they can afford.  These programs cover assisted living, adult day care, home care, nursing homes, or senior living. As Certified Medicaid Planners, our clients benefit from step-by-step guidance which results in financial solutions to minimize spend down, preserve assets and limit out-of-pocket expenses. We give families peace of mind and predictability regarding the financial concerns surrounding long-term care expenses of their loved ones. Learn more and schedule an appointment here: Editors Note:  This article was written by Stacy Osborne, MBA CMP with Beneficent.  She can be reached by phone at 719-645-8350 or by email at info@doinggoodforothers.com.