Medicaid Planning Strategies for Paralegals and Associates

Joclene J. Vanik | Reminger Co., L.P.A.

Joclene is committed to serving the aging community and their families with long-term care and probate-related issues. Located in Reminger Co. LPA’s Cleveland office, Joclene focuses her practice on elder law & special needs planning, asset preservation, estate and trust administration, estate planning, and guardianships. Joclene has experience with the complex nature of Medicaid and helps her clients create plans that allow them to maintain or improve their quality of life during their later years.

Joclene is Accredited Attorney with the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Estate Planning section. She is also a member of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate and Elder and Special Needs sections.

I. Understanding Medicaid Basics | 1:00pm – 1:20pm

• Medicaid: What it covers and why it’s important
• Eligibility criteria: Key differences between Medicaid and Medicare
• The role of paralegals and associates in Medicaid planning

II. Asset and Income Eligibility Rules | 1:20pm – 1:40pm

• Eligibility rules – Income and Assets
• Countable vs. non-countable assets
• Income limits
• Exemptions: Primary residence, vehicles, and personal belongings

III. Key Medicaid Planning Techniques | 1:40pm – 2:00pm

• The significance of the look-back period and penalties
• Spend-down strategies
• Asset protection strategies: Trusts, annuities, and gifting
• Special Needs Trusts and Medicaid-compliant trusts
• Crisis planning for long-term care

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

IV. Medicaid Application Process | 2:10pm – 2:40pm

• Preparing the application
• Required documentation and organizing client information
• Addressing denial appeals and resolving eligibility disputes

V. Legal and Ethical Considerations | 2:40pm – 3:10pm