Though people often associate getting older with physical aches and pains, it also brings unique legal and financial challenges, especially when it comes to planning for long-term care needs. In Pennsylvania, the cost of nursing home care now averages over $10,000 per month, which can quickly deplete savings that took decades to build. Without proper planning, families often struggle to provide quality care while preserving assets for a healthy spouse or the next generation.
At Ruggiero Law Offices, our experienced and empathetic elder law attorneys understand these concerns—and we’re here to help. We work with families throughout the Delaware Valley and Lehigh Valley regions to develop strategic plans that protect assets while ensuring access to essential care and benefits.
Elder Law Attorneys Helping Pennsylvania Families Protect Their Interest
You’re more than just a number to us. When you work with our elder law team, we take the time to understand your circumstances and goals, explain your options clearly, and develop practical solutions that further your objectives. Our services include:
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Asset protection planning. We help you structure your finances to preserve wealth while maintaining Medicaid eligibility through trusts, property transfers, and other legal tools.
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Medicaid application assistance. Our Paoli and Center Valley lawyers guide you through the complex Medicaid application process, ensuring properly completed forms and supporting documents that meet the program’s stringent requirements.
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Powers of attorney. We create comprehensive powers of attorney that give trusted family members or representatives the authority to manage health care and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
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Long-term care planning. Our attorneys evaluate care options, develop funding strategies, and help you establish legal protections before a crisis occurs.
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Elder abuse and neglect advocacy. We help families recognize signs of abuse or neglect and take legal action to protect vulnerable seniors’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
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Estate planning services. Our team ensures that your estate plan works seamlessly with your elder law planning through wills, trusts, and other legal tools that protect your legacy while maintaining benefit eligibility.
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Guardianship assistance. When a loved one can no longer make sound decisions, we help families obtain legal guardianship to ensure proper care and protection of their interests.
Understanding Medicaid Planning in Pennsylvania
Learning that Medicare does not cover most long-term care costs takes many families by surprise. While the program may pay for short rehabilitation stays, it doesn’t cover extended nursing home care. Medicaid becomes the primary payer once paying for care out-of-pocket depletes your savings—but qualifying requires meeting strict income and asset limits that can leave your family financially vulnerable without proper planning. Our attorneys help you navigate Pennsylvania’s Medicaid rules while protecting your life savings.
Key aspects of Medicaid planning include:
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Look-back period review. Pennsylvania examines financial transactions made during the five years before applying for Medicaid, and violations can delay approval and coverage. We help structure asset transfers appropriately to avoid penalties.
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Spousal protection strategies. Our team uses legal planning tools to help the healthy spouse maintain financial stability while qualifying the ill spouse for benefits.
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Income and asset structuring. We advise you on repositioning assets to meet eligibility requirements while preserving wealth through permitted planning strategies.
Why Timing Matters for Elder Law Planning
Don’t put off planning that could provide you and your family with peace of mind. The best time to begin elder law planning is before you—or your loved one—need long-term term. Early planning provides:
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More options for protecting your assets
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Time to complete the Medicaid look-back period
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Ability to make decisions while you have full capacity
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Prevention of family conflicts through clear legal documents
However, we also help families who need immediate assistance during a crisis. Our seasoned attorneys can often find solutions even in urgent situations.