About Kyla Kelim Expertise I can answer Medicare and Medicaid questions on a federal level but many state specific requirements would not permit more than a general answer for many specific questions regarding health insurance issues.
Experience I have practiced law in Florida and Alabama for 15 years. My firm has over 60 years collective experience in elder law issues, including Medicare, Medicare D, Medi-gap and related health insurance issues as well as nursing home Medicaid eligibility.
Organizations Alabama State Bar
Florida State Bar
Education/Credentials Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, J.D. 1993
University of New Orleans, B.S. Business Administration 1990
Question hi - i receive SSDI ($946), food stamps ($140.) and medical insurance through Medicaid/Medicare. This is all NY state. I am about to receive an inheritance of approx. $40,000. I am concerned that I will lose my health insurance - true? How can I prevent that from happening? Will this inheritance effect my SSDI as well? any input/advise will be greatly appreciated. Imagine that receiving money can be a problem!
Answer Lynn, I am a bit confused, with your income, you should not be on Medicaid. The inheritance will have no effect on ssdi, only ssi, which you don't qualify for. As you dont' qualify for it, I'm not sure if in NY you would qualify for Medicaid but I doubt it. The inheritance will not affect your Medicare. Check with your local SHIP counselor to see if the QMB program counts assets, here in Alabama they don't, so here it would not affect the Medicaid as coinsurance (the QMB program) but it might in NY. If so, you may want to have the proceeds placed into a special needs trust. See a qualified practitioner in your area. Here's the link to find your SHIP counselor, who should be able to meet with you or talk to you on the telephone to answer any Medicare and related (QMB) questions. http://www.shiptalk.org/About/CounselLocSearchForm.aspx?mf=Display . Its a free program.
