Health Care

The Parts of Medicare

Medicare has two parts and each part has its own set of rules:

Part A governs the provisions under which acute care in hospitals is rendered and also allows limited coverage for skilled nursing care, home care and hospice care. It is paid by employer and employee contributions.

The Disadvantages of Guardianship/Conservatorship Legal Proceedings

In the event that you or a loved one becomes incompetent, any person can start the proceedings for a guardianship (for a child) or conservatorship (for an adult). This may put you at several disadvantages if you were not prepared for such an event, such as:

Living Wills

In the unfortunate event that you become ill or mentally incapacitated, it is important for you to have a means of expressing what medical procedures you want to be performed before you become sick. It is surprisingly easy to do so with a Living Will. When creating a Living Will, you must be of sound mind and not incapacitated.

Medicare Eligibility

Are you eligible? In order to understand the legal aspects of Medicare coverage, you must know and understand the requirements set by statute in order to receive Medicare payments.

The Operation of a Living Will

In many states, a Living Will becomes effective when it is signed, and witnessed by two witnesses. Frequently, the signature of the maker must also be notarized.

Check your state law:

Living Wills

Medicare – Appeals Process

Medicare is governed largely by federal statutes and regulations. Of course, each state may have its own process of appealing a Medicare decision and these should be checked in each case. Because of the federal rules and regulations involved, the typical administrative law process is followed under Medicare.

Do I Always Need a Lawyer in Medicare Disputes?

Do you always need a lawyer in Medicare Disputes? Of course not, and in fact, we recommend that for certain problems you do not incur the cost of an attorney. Remember to use a cost-benefit analysis in this area, as well as others, in deciding to retain an attorney.

Hospice Care Defined

What is hospice care? Hospice care is generally provided for terminally ill patients, and does not contemplate care for patients who are likely to recover from illnesses, regardless of severity. Hospice care generally involves the process of managing an illness and not curing an illness. The rules covering hospice care are detailed and also vary from state to state.