MassHealth is the agency that administers Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Medicaid provides coverage for long-term care as well as health insurance to folks who have a low income. As an elder law attorney, I deal largely with Medicaid and estate planning.
    

Long-term care coverage is different from health insurance coverage. Long-term care means help with the routine activities that become harder to do when we all get older. For example, help with bathing, toileting, dressing, and medication management. Long-term care insurance covers assistance with personal care. Medicaid is essentially public long term care insurance. (Private long term care insurance can also be purchased on the market.)

 

By contrast, Medicare is public health insurance. For example, Medicare covers hospital and medical bills. Clients who receive Medicare might also purchase a supplemental policy for additional health insurance coverage. But personal care for routine activities is not covered by Medicare.  
   

I help clients with estate planning with an eye towards planning for Medicaid eligibility if applicable. I also advise clients about gifting and spending rules and help them apply for Medicaid when necessary.

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