Experienced Counsel for Your Medical Planning Matters

Medical planning is a crucial component of estate planning. It allows you to ensure your medical treatment and health care matters will be handled in the way you wish if you become unable to handle such matters yourself. You can also decide in advance who will be designated to make decisions on your behalf, what end-of-life medical care you wish to receive, and what medical interventions you would not want. When you plan early, you can help ensure you keep your options open to receive medical care where you would like to receive it — whether at home, in a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. At Middleton Law Offices, our team of dedicated Ohio medical planning attorneys will work with you to identify your objectives and assist you with developing a plan that meets your needs.

Medicaid Planning

Medicaid planning is a type of advanced planning that can allow you to become eligible for Medicaid benefits while protecting your assets. While many people would not be able to afford the cost of nursing home care or assisted living without Medicaid, you would not qualify if your assets are too high.

Fortunately, you do not need to exhaust all your assets to meet the Medicaid requirements — with some strategic planning, you can qualify for Medicaid while still preserving assets for your loved ones when you pass. At Middleton Law Offices, we have extensive experience assisting our clients with navigating the complexities of Medicaid planning. Our attorneys are skilled at implementing strategies to help ensure you will be able to meet Medicaid’s eligibility criteria.

Long-Term Care Planning

When it comes to your long-term care, it’s important to consider all viable options. Long-term care planning is a complex and emotional matter. But by planning ahead, you can address how you will pay for the care you will need as you grow older, and the lifestyle you wish to have. A long-term care plan should also address how you might save for future care while still being able to qualify for Medicaid benefits. Our attorneys will discuss your objectives, including whether you wish to receive care in a nursing home or in your own home, and guide you through this complicated process.

Living Wills

Not to be confused with a last will and testament, a living will is a directive that allows you to specify your health care wishes should you become incapacitated. Also known as an advance directive, a living will is effective during your lifetime — unlike a last will and testament which is only applicable upon death. The document specifically addresses your end-of-life decisions, including those involving the following:

• Whether you wish to receive artificial nutrition or hydration
• Whether you wish to be intubated
• Whether you wish to be resuscitated
• Organ and tissue donation
• Pain management instructions

Under Ohio law, a living will only becomes effective when an individual is in terminal condition or is permanently unconscious. In all other situations, medical providers would look to a health care power of attorney. However, it’s important to note that in situations involving end of life care, a living will would take precedence over a health care power of attorney. At Middleton Law Offices, our medical planning attorneys take the time to learn about your wishes. We will explain your options regarding your living will so you can have peace of mind knowing that your preferences and desires will be honored.

Health Care Powers of Attorney

A health care power of attorney is not the same as a financial power attorney. Rather, it is a legal document that authorizes another individual to make health care decisions on your behalf if you can no longer make them for yourself. It can also be used to designate a guardian of your person or your estate.

Additionally, a health care power of attorney allows you to do the following:

• Choose your health care providers
• Make decisions about where you will receive treatment
• Determine your living arrangements, such as a rehabilitation or assisted living facility
• Plan for long-term help and choose a caregiver
• Make decisions regarding medical tests, surgeries, and medication

Health care powers of attorney apply in most medical situations — except those involving end-of-life care. Cases involving terminal conditions require instruction to be provided in a living will. Providing high-quality legal services and compassionate counsel, the legal team at Middleton Law Office is skilled in drafting thorough health care powers of attorney that address every possible scenario that could arise — and ensure you will have the quality of life you desire in the event you become incapacitated.

Contact a Knowledgeable Ohio Medical Planning Attorney

Medical planning can be highly nuanced and confusing. At Middleton Law Offices, our attorneys understand how emotionally overwhelming the process can be and strive to take the burden off your shoulders. We provide our clients and their families with the time and attention they deserve as we discuss their medical planning concerns and advise them regarding their options. Contact Middleton Law Offices today at 419.548.0196 for a consultation to learn how we can help.