To find an elder law attorney or a Medicaid planner in your area, here are some helpful steps you can take:

1. Use Professional Associations:

• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA): This is a professional association of attorneys who specialize in elder law. You can use their website to search for an attorney in your area who is experienced in Medicaid planning.

  • Website: www.naela.org
  • On the homepage, you can use the “Find an Attorney” feature to search for Medicaid specialists in your state.

• AARP: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides resources for finding elder law attorneys and planners, as well as offering educational materials.

  • Website: www.aarp.org

• National Council on Aging (NCOA): The NCOA offers tools to locate financial assistance and services for seniors, including Medicaid planners.

  • Website: www.ncoa.org

2. Ask for Recommendations:

• Friends and Family: If you know anyone who has recently gone through the Medicaid planning process, ask for recommendations. Personal experiences can be invaluable.
• Local Senior Centers: Many senior centers or local aging services programs have lists of trusted professionals who specialize in Medicaid planning.

3. Contact Your State Medicaid Office:

• Your state Medicaid office may offer guidance or resources to help you find certified Medicaid planners or elder law attorneys. They can also help you understand Medicaid’s rules specific to your state, which is important when you are planning for long-term care.
  • You can find your state’s Medicaid office contact information on the Medicaid.gov website.

4. Check Local Directories:

• Avvo: This is a legal directory where you can find profiles, reviews, and ratings of attorneys. You can search for Medicaid or elder law attorneys in your area and check their expertise and client reviews.
  • Website: www.avvo.com
• Lawyers.com: Another platform to find legal professionals in your area.
  • Website: www.lawyers.com

5. Interview Potential Attorneys:

When you find a few potential Medicaid planners or elder law attorneys, make sure to interview them to ensure they are the right fit for your needs:

• Questions to Ask:
  • How long have you been practicing elder law and Medicaid planning?
  • What is your experience with Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies?
  • Are you familiar with the Medicaid rules and limits in my state?
  • What are your fees, and how do you structure them (flat fee, hourly rate, etc.)?
  • Can you provide any references from past clients?

6. Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA):

• Many regions have Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), which can provide resources and help you find Medicaid planners or elder law professionals. You can search for the AAA office serving your area via the Administration for Community Living website:
  • Website: www.acl.gov

Final Tips:

• Check Credentials: Ensure the Medicaid planner or elder law attorney is properly certified or licensed to practice in your state. Also, look for reviews and referrals from other clients.
• Get an Initial Consultation: Most Medicaid attorneys and planners offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use this as an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their experience and approach.

For more information, go to: www.seniorhousingsolutions.net