Your Inside Look at Arizona’s Health Care Community
Posted in ALTCS, Assisted Living, Family & Caregiver, Social Workers on Feb 23rd, 2010
Question: Is it true that I have to go into a nursing home in order to get onto ALTCS?
Answer: While skilled nursing facilities certainly have their appropriate place along the continuum of care, it is not the only option for someone in order to receive ALTCS benefits. Other settings include assisted living communities and group [...]
Posted in ALTCS, Asset Protection, Family & Caregiver on Dec 21st, 2009
‘Tis the Season: Implications of Gifting on ALTCS Eligibility
In our everyday lives, giving to others is a definitely a good thing. During the holiday season, especially, we are often reminded of how important it is to give of our time, talents, and financial resources. Unfortunately, financial generosity may adversely affect financial eligibility for ALTCS.
As with [...]
Posted in ALTCS on Oct 28th, 2009
Passing the medical PAS (pre-admission screening) is as equally important as meeting the income and resource criteria for ALTCS. The applicant needs to score at least 60 points on the PAS in order to be approved. The applicant will be scored based upon on much hands on assistance is needed in completing their ADL’s such [...]
Posted in ALTCS, Family & Caregiver, Hospitals, Medicare, Social Workers, Uncategorized on Oct 17th, 2009
So many of our calls that come in for our “Free Pre-Screen” have to do with Advance Directives - or I should say – the Lack of having Advance Directives in place. Please do not wait to complete your power of attorney forms. You should have a Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney [...]
Posted in ALTCS, Asset Protection, Family & Caregiver, Social Workers on Oct 9th, 2009
Question: “The hospice social worker recommended that I look into Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) for my husband. This is a second marriage for both of us and we have always kept our finances separate. How can I protect myself and still get him the coverage that he needs to pay for his care?”
Answer: This [...]
Posted in ALTCS, Family & Caregiver, Social Workers, Uncategorized, Veterans on Sep 14th, 2009
Outreach and education are so important when it comes to identifying benefits for those who may be eligible. ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) and the VA (Veteran’s Administration) Pension program are two benefits that I frequently discuss. Most of the time I get a statement of, “well, I know I can’t have [...]
Posted in ALTCS, Asset Protection on Aug 27th, 2009
The Jackson White intake team recently fielded a call from a son whose father is in need of ALTCS services. The son stated that he is in the process of “assuming” dad’s mortgage. The home has about a $100,000 mortgage and the estimated Fair Market Value of the home is $240,000.
Question: Will assuming my dad’s mortgage [...]
Posted in ALTCS, Asset Protection, Family & Caregiver on Jul 20th, 2009
We agree, at JacksonWhite, that there are many wonderful group homes that provide excellent care. They meet a niche in the long term care continuum that is certainly a valued addition. However…
If your loved one is in a group home or you are a social worker referring to group home – beware. If the group [...]
Posted in ALTCS, Medicare, Social Workers on Jul 17th, 2009
Are you thinking about applying for Arizona Long Term Care but are unsure if you or your loved one will qualify? Jackson White offers a free phone analysis. Our Elder Care Coordinator’s are available to answer any questions you may have about the benefits of the program and eligibility criteria. Please don’t hesitate to call [...]
The VA’s own website (www.va.gov) confirms 75% of all applications for VA pension are denied the first time. Is this a conspiracy by the VA? Does the VA have a “quota” for approvals? Are they trying to save federal money? Do they know the proper regulations? In my 34 years with the VA, I even heard [...]