| SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone in
Alabama should be concerned about funding for our state's general
fund budget for FY 2013 beginning October 1, 2012. The
recession has hit the general fund budget hard. Much as our
state's elected leaders berate the federal government, when the
federal stimulus funds are gone, the real problems begin for Alabama
and most other states in FY 2013. One of the programs most
affected is Alabama Medicaid. The Medicaid workers are
operating under a cloud of uncertainty trying to do their jobs with
staff shortages and not knowing their future. Care providers
statewide are already not being paid according to the normal
schedule. Payments may be cut permanently, and some doctor's
and nursing facilities may not survive financially. There is a
particularly insightful review of a recent meeting of healthcare
professionals in Montgomery that gives a physician's account of the
problem. Thanks to Dr. Pippa Abston for her observations at
Pippa Abston's Blog for these insightful comments. This
issue will affect many seniors. Are we certain we are on the
right course with the cutbacks?
Alan Zeigler
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If you or a loved one are faced with the need for
skilled nursing care, you need to understand your options. Too
many seniors and loved ones assume that when a long term care
situation arises, there is simply nothing that can be done to ensure
the resources are available to provide the highest levels of care.
Don't make this mistake. Planning ahead is always the best
approach, but even where a health care crisis arises suddenly and
without the benefit of long term care insurance or any other
planning for such a situation, there are still important
options available.
At a time of tension and uncertainty, you need to understand the
rules of eligibility for Medicaid institutional care and eligibility
for the significant pension benefits available to elderly veterans
or their surviving spouses.
Call Alan Zeigler. The Zeigler Law Firm LLC works with
families across central Alabama to advise clients in need of care
and their loved ones on the right choices to make at a troubling
time. We understand the rules and can
advise you of steps to take and those to avoid. Call today to
arrange for a consultation. |
