MassHealth, or Massachusetts Medicaid, is a governmental program that provides Massachusetts residents with health care benefits and long-term nursing care for those in need. Filling out an application for MassHealth, can be much more difficult than Massachusetts residents may think. However, with the help of an experienced Medicaid/Medicare attorney, the process will be much more efficient.
Challenges that may arise while applying for MassHealth
There are many reasons why the MassHealth application process can be challenging for residents. The issues that arise may involve:
- Eligibility – One of the main reasons MassHealth applicants are denied benefits is that they fail to meet the criteria for eligibility. However, many people, particularly middle-class residents may be surprised to learn that they in fact do qualify for MassHealth benefits. An attorney may also be able to assist you with spending down your assets so that you become eligible.
- Application inaccuracies – MassHealth applications are complex and require applicants to provide accurate financial information. Applicants may have difficulty finding this information and end up estimating these amounts, resulting in inaccuracies.
- Conflict of interest – Nursing homes may refer its residents and their families to non-attorney preparers to help file MassHealth applications. However, the preparer will often attempt to protect the nursing home’s best interests while also protecting the best interests of the applicant, causing a conflict of interest.
- Failure to plan in advance – Waiting until the last minute or until an emergency rises to file your application makes it more likely that you will make mistakes.
How can an attorney help?
An attorney specializing in MassHealth can help with the entire application process to make sure no steps are missed, and no inaccuracies are reported. There will also be no conflict of interest, as your attorney will work solely with your best interests in mind. By submitting an accurate, timely application with all the required information, you will have the best chance at having your Medicaid benefits approved.