I am Michael Melson and I specialize in asset savings for those individuals entering into and those already in the nursing home.
 By using federal and state guidelines, we can help nursing home residents preserve their assets and also qualify for financial assistance through a division of Medicaid. This is a cost-sharing government entitlement program that has been designed to protect married and single Americans from going broke due to an extended stay in the nursing home.
 However, access to the benefits of this program requires specialized knowledge of the ever-changing rules and regulations. I help you become aware, give you an understanding of and help you gain access to the benefits to which you are entitled.
 On Feb. 8, 2006, President Bush signed the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). This new law significantly changes nursing home Medicaid eligibility rules.
 The DRA is designed to reduce Medicaid spending growth by approximately $5 billion over the next five years by tightening loopholes that allow individuals to transfer assets to their children so that they can qualify for Medicaid. These changes may make it more difficult for seniors and those with disabilities to access needed health care.
 Allow us the opportunity to see whether your family has been affected by the DRA change to Medicaid.
 If the combined income of a single person or a couple exceeds $2022.00* per month, you may need a Miller Trust before you can qualify. The Miller Trust must be prepared by an attorney and approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
 Effective Sept. 30, 1998, Public Law 100-360 provides for the protection of income for the community spouse (the spouse at home) when the other spouse is receiving care in a nursing facility. The at-home spouse can keep up to $2,739.00* of the couple's monthly income. This rule also allows the at-home spouse to keep one-half of the couple's assets, up to $109,560.00.*
   Therefore, in the case of married individuals, there are provisions to the law not commonly known or used, which can protect more of your assets.
   In order to comply with the federal laws for Medicaid, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission implemented the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program. Under this program, the state may file a claim against the estate of a deceased Medicaid recipient, age 55 and older, who applied for certain long-term care services on or after March 1, 2005. However, by using approved guidelines, a claim against the estate may be avoided.
 Please allow us to be used as a resource for solutions to many of the financial challenges that face senior citizens when they are confronted with a nursing home stay. In our state, older citizens are at great risk of not being aware of, understanding or being able to gain access to important benefits to which they are entitled.
 The system that governs private benefits such as insurance and pensions, along with a myriad of public benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid, is confusing and complicated, especially to older citizens, which is the group most likely to need these benefits.
 You can be assured that all recommendations are firmly grounded on a foundation of specialized knowledge and experience. At Melson and Associates, we are dedicated to helping senior citizens get the help they need.

Call Michael Melson, a native Midlander, for a free brochure and consultation at (432) 683-0796 or (800) 453-1464. Michael Melson of Melson and Associates works under the direction of attorneys.

* Figures change annually.