At Individual Home Care, we understand that one of the most daunting parts of arranging care for yourself or a loved one isn’t just the medical or logistical side — it’s the financial planning. Homecare costs can vary widely depending on your needs, your location, and your eligibility for Medicaid or waiver programs. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of trusted resources to help you move forward with confidence.

Whether you're just starting to explore homecare services or actively preparing for a Medicaid application, this guide breaks down the tools, legal guidance, and financial planning tips available through our Financial & Planning Resources section.

Elder Law Attorneys in Long Island: Legal Guidance You Can Trust

For many families, qualifying for Medicaid involves more than just filling out an application — it often requires strategic planning around income, assets, and timing. That’s where older law attorneys come in.

Through our Resource Center, Individual Home Care offers trusted referrals to experienced elder law attorneys across Long Island. These professionals specialize in helping families navigate the Medicaid system legally and ethically. They understand the nuances of asset protection, trust setup, and eligibility requirements, and can help ensure your family makes informed decisions.

We don’t recommend just any firm. Our referrals are based on proven partnerships and firsthand experience with attorneys who understand both the legal and emotional weight of these decisions. Whether you’re considering a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust or just want a second opinion on your current strategy, these legal professionals can be an essential part of your care planning journey.

Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs): Explained in Simple Terms

One of the most common tools elder law attorneys use when helping families plan for long-term care is the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). If you've heard the term before but aren't quite sure what it means, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

We’ve created an easy-to-understand guide to Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts to help you grasp the basics. Here's a quick overview:

• What is a MAPT? It’s a type of irrevocable trust designed to protect your assets (like your home or savings) from being counted as part of your Medicaid eligibility.

• Why use one? By placing assets into this trust well before applying for Medicaid, you may still qualify for long-term care assistance while preserving assets for your spouse, children, or loved ones.

• When should I set one up? The earlier, the better. Medicaid looks back at your financial transactions over a five-year period. Planning ahead can prevent penalties or delays in coverage.

At Individual Home Care, we’re not attorneys — but we work closely with legal experts who specialize in this area, and we encourage our clients to review our MAPT explainer as a starting point. It’s written in plain English and designed to give you the confidence to ask the right questions when speaking to your attorney.

Budgeting for Long-Term Homecare: Know What to Expect

Even with Medicaid or waiver programs, understanding the real costs of care is essential for long-term planning. That’s why we provide tools and guidance to help you estimate monthly care costs and compare your options.

Through our budgeting guide, you’ll learn:

• What types of homecare services are typically covered by Medicaid in New York

• What services might require out-of-pocket payment or a supplemental plan

• How to estimate monthly expenses based on level of care and hours needed

• When to consider pooled trusts or other financial tools to help offset costs

This is especially helpful for families caring for aging loved ones or individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), developmental disabilities (OPWDD), or other conditions that require consistent support at home. Knowing the potential costs ahead of time allows you to build a financial plan that balances independence, dignity, and sustainability.

Our team at Individual Home Care is always happy to help you walk through your care plan and identify the services most likely to be covered under your current Medicaid status or waiver program. We’ve helped hundreds of families do just that, and we’re here for you too.

Why Financial Planning Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

One of the most common challenges we see is families waiting until a health crisis hits before starting to plan for long-term care. That’s understandable — no one wants to think about needing help before they absolutely have to.

But the truth is, early financial planning can save you time, stress, and significant money. Medicaid eligibility rules are strict, and without the right structure in place, families can lose access to coverage — or be forced to pay out of pocket for services that could have otherwise been covered.

That’s why Individual Home Care encourages all families to use our financial planning resources before a crisis hits. By understanding your options now — whether it’s through legal planning, budgeting tools, or education — you set yourself up for smoother transitions later.

How Individual Home Care Helps

While we don’t provide legal or financial advice, Individual Home Care plays a key role in helping families connect the dots. Our team works closely with Medicaid waiver participants, elder law attorneys, and case managers to make sure your homecare plan is both clinically appropriate and financially viable.

Here’s what we offer:

• Personalized support in understanding what Medicaid waivers may cover for your needs

• Guidance on what questions to ask your attorney or financial planner

• Clarity around required forms, documentation, and deadlines

• Transparent communication so you always know what to expect

We’ve seen firsthand how stressful this process can be — and we’ve also seen how much peace of mind comes when families feel informed and empowered.

Your Next Step: Start the Conversation

You’ve already found one of the most useful parts of our Resource Center — the local contact information that helps you connect directly with the right offices in your county. Whether you're dropping off documentation, scheduling an eligibility assessment, or seeking support for a loved one, these local agencies can make the process easier.

And if you’re unsure where to start or need a helping hand to guide the way, Individual Home Care is here. We work with these offices every day and are ready to help you make the right connections and take the next step with confidence.