Nursing Home Medicaid Qualification

Importance of securing your financial future

Navigating the complexities of Nursing Home Medicaid Qualification and saving as much of the family’s money as possible requires a seasoned and experienced elder law attorney by your side.

At Paths Law Firm, we understand the importance of securing your financial future while ensuring access to the care you deserve. The attorneys help each the client make sense of their situation, find clarity regarding the options available, and help each client make an educated, informed decision for their next step.

Nursing Home Medicaid Qualification

Why Choose Paths Law Firm For Nursing Home Medicaid Qualification:

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Serving the Kansas City Metro area, we bring a deep understanding of both Kansas and Missouri’s laws.

As experienced elder law attorneys, we recognize the uniqueness of each client’s situation. Our solutions are customized to fit your specific needs.

With a track record of successful Medicaid Qualification cases, we have empowered families in the Kansas City Metro area to secure their financial future.

Common Case Studies

Client Profile:
  • Client Name: Mrs. Thelma
  • Objective: Qualify her mother for Missouri Medicaid, Mo Healthnet, to cover the costs of senior living in a senior community.
  • Challenges: Navigating the complexities of Medicaid planning and estate planning.

 

The Challenge:

Mrs. Thelma, a devoted daughter, was facing the daunting task of securing Medicaid benefits for her aging mother, who required support to afford nursing home living in a Kansas City senior community. Knowing that Missouri Medicaid eligibility rules can be intricate, Mrs. Thelma sought the assistance of experienced legal professionals who focused in elder law.

 

The Solution:

Mrs. Thelma made a crucial decision by reaching out to Paths Law Firm, renowned as Kansas City’s trusted elder law attorneys. Our team of expert attorneys, specializing in Medicaid planning, including Mo Healthnet, and estate planning, knew that this case would require a tailored approach. They initiated a comprehensive consultation with Mrs. Thelma to understand her mother’s unique circumstances.

 

  1. Thorough Assessment: Paths Law Firm conducted a meticulous review of Mrs. Thelma’s mother’s assets and income, identifying potential issues that could impact Medicaid eligibility.

  2. Customized Medicaid Plan: Crafting a personalized Medicaid planning strategy, our legal experts advised Mrs. Thelma on optimizing her mother’s financial situation within the framework of Medicaid regulations, ensuring she could access the benefits she needed.

  3. Estate Planning: Recognizing that estate planning was an integral part of the process, our attorneys also guided Mrs. Thelma in preserving her mother’s assets for future generations.

  4. Documentation and Submission: With our guidance, Mrs. Thelma collected and submitted all necessary documentation for the Medicaid application, making the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

  5. Ongoing Support: Throughout the journey, Paths Law Firm offered unwavering support to Mrs. Thelma, addressing her concerns and questions promptly and comprehensively.

 

The Results:

Thanks to the expert guidance provided by Paths Law Firm, Mrs. Thelma’s mother successfully qualified for Missouri Medicaid, Mo Healthnet. This achievement relieved the financial burden and allowed her to transition into a high-quality senior living community in Kansas City, where she could enjoy her golden years comfortably and with peace of mind.

 

Conclusion:

Paths Law Firm, your trusted Kansas City elder law attorneys, understand the complexities of Medicaid planning and estate planning. We take pride in our commitment to helping clients like Mrs. Thelma secure the benefits and support they need for their loved ones. If you’re facing similar challenges or need guidance in elder law matters, don’t hesitate to reach out to Paths Law Firm for expert legal counsel and personalized solutions.

 

Case Study Description:

Discover how Paths Law Firm, the trusted Kansas City elder law attorneys, helped Mrs. Thelma navigate the complexities of Medicaid planning and estate planning. Learn how our tailored approach secured Missouri Medicaid benefits, enabling her mother to comfortably transition to a senior living community, all while preserving assets for future generations. Our expertise and unwavering support made a significant difference in their journey.

Client Profile:
  • Client Name: Mr. Vega
  • Client’s Goal: To qualify his mother for KanCare and secure funding for her senior living community, while protecting the family’s assets as his father continues to reside in their home.

 

The Challenge: 

Mr. Vega’s family faced a complex situation. His mother required care in a senior living community, while his father was staying in the family home. They needed to find a way to pay for his mother’s care, preserve their assets, and navigate the intricate process of KanCare planning.

 

Our Approach:

Recognizing the importance of protecting their assets while securing KanCare eligibility, Mr. Vega turned to Paths Law Firm, a trusted Kansas City elder law firm focusing on estate planning and KanCare planning.

  • Consultation: Our team conducted a thorough consultation with Mr. Vega to understand their unique circumstances. We assessed their financial situation, explored their estate planning needs, and identified their eligibility for KanCare.

  • Customized KanCare Plan: Paths Law Firm developed a tailored KanCare plan that considered Mr. Vega’s mother’s needs, his father’s living situation, and the family’s assets. This plan ensured they met the requirements for KanCare while protecting their financial future.

  • Estate Planning Integration: To secure the family’s assets, we seamlessly integrated estate planning into their KanCare strategy. This involved creating trusts and legal structures to safeguard their wealth and ensure a smooth transition of assets.

  • Expert Legal Guidance: Our team of experienced elder law attorneys in Overland Park, Kansas, provided ongoing support and guidance throughout the KanCare application process. We managed the necessary paperwork and advocated on behalf of the Vega family.

 

The Results:

Thanks to the meticulous planning and expert guidance provided by Paths Law Firm, Mr. Vega’s family achieved the following:

  • Mr. Vega’s mother successfully qualified for KanCare benefits, which alleviated the financial burden of her senior living community expenses.

  • Their family home remained protected, ensuring Mr. Vega’s father could continue residing there.

  • The Vega family’s assets were safeguarded through strategic estate planning, preserving their wealth for future generations.

 

Client Testimonial:

“Paths Law Firm has been a beacon of hope for our family. They not only helped us navigate the complexities of KanCare planning but also ensured the security of our assets through estate planning. Their expertise in elder law has given us peace of mind during a challenging time. We highly recommend their trusted attorneys to anyone in need.”

Are you facing similar challenges? Contact our Kansas City elder law attorneys at Paths Law Firm to discuss your unique needs and create a customized plan that ensures financial security and peace of mind for your family.

 

Case Study Description:

KanCare Planning and Asset Protection: In this compelling case study, we delve into the journey of Mr. Vega and his family as they sought assistance from Paths Law Firm, a leading Kansas City elder law attorney, to navigate the intricate realm of KanCare planning and estate protection. Mr. Vega’s primary concern was securing KanCare benefits for his mother to cover the costs of her senior living community, while simultaneously safeguarding the family’s assets as his father continued to reside in their cherished family home.

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Client Care Advisor

Amy L. Gonzales

Amy L. Gonzales

Client Care Advisor

Amy L. Gonzales

Amy is our Client Care Advisor and brings over 20 years of combined experience in healthcare and senior living. She has a passion for helping seniors and their families navigate the often-difficult next steps. Her role at Paths Law Firm includes assistance with placement services, for those needing senior living options, as well as client satisfaction and supporting the marketing efforts. She never tires of hearing the life stories of our clients and brings experience and compassion to wherever they are in their journey.
 
Amy attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. She was the Director of Sales for a home IV therapy and home care company, an Executive Director for an independent living community, and spent a season as a licensed realtor for both Missouri and Kansas. She has also worked for several years in assisted living and memory care. She co-authored a book called The MyDucks Personal Organizer, which is a tool to help individuals manage their medical, legal, personal, and legacy information. She spent several years as a speaker throughout Kansas City helping to educate and motivate people to get their “ducks in a row”!
 
She is blessed to be married to her husband, Ed, and they have a blended family with 5 grown children. Much of their time is now spent caring for their golden retrievers, enjoying time with family, and traveling whenever possible.

Legal Assistant

Mia G. Santora

Mia G. Santora

Legal Assistant

Mia G. Santora

Mia plays a key role as our dedicated Legal Assistant, collaborating closely with our paralegals on estate planning document preparation. She also supports our attorneys to ensure top-notch service for all our clients. In addition to her legal responsibilities, Mia supports our marketing team with client relations and is the Paths Membership Program coordinator. With a strong background in Project Management, Mia has gained valuable experience from diverse professionals across the country, having lived in Florida and California before joining our team. She graduated with honors from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communications.
 
Mia is always eager to learn the intricacies of elder law and brings a positive attitude to her work. Outside of the office, she enjoys enriching her mind through reading and spending quality time with her two dogs.
 

Community Relations

Jeane M. Fracassa

Jeane M. Fracassa

Community Relations

Jeane M. Fracassa

Jeane Fracassa – a dedicated and accomplished professional who retired with an impressive 38-year service record from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. Throughout her illustrious career, Jeane served as a Civian Supervisor in the Communications Unit, where she played a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and effective communication within the department.

Even in retirement, Jeane’s commitment to community service remains unwavering. Currently, she serves in various capacities within Community Relations at Paths Law Firm. Actively engaged in the Lee’s Summit and Overland Park communities, she proudly represents the law firm.

In all aspects of her life, Jeane Fracassa exemplifies the values of community, compassion, and family. Her commitment to making a difference and her love for exploration make her a remarkable individual, whose presence brightens the lives of those she encounters. Whether at work, with family, or during her travels, Jeane’s genuine care for others and her zest for life make her a truly remarkable and inspiring person.

Administrative Assistant

Laura E. Messer

Laura E. Messer

Administrative Assistant

Laura E. Messer

Laura is the Law Firm’s marketing assistant, supporting all marketing tasks, including managing calendars, researching upcoming events, updating marketing software and spreadsheets, and partnering with organizations to maintain relationships that benefit Paths Law Firm’s clients.  Laura is also the law firm’s professional photographer as she provides the professional photographs for the headshots, organizations, events, and networking.

Laura has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer.  She is also Adobe and Microsoft Certified.  She graduated from Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri with her Bachelor of Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Behavioral Psychology (minors in Social Work and Criminal Justice), and her Photographic Craftsman degree from Professional Photographers of America. She is certified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional, Certified Gentle Teacher, Medicaid Billing Certified, Crisis Intervention Counselor, and a Missouri Notary.

Laura has been married more than 26 years and has a daughter and a son. She has four brothers, a niece, and a nephew. Her four spoiled pets that love her attention. A lot of Laura’s off time is spent taking photos and she is an internationally published photographer. Laura owns a studio on the historic Independence Square. 

Administrative Assistant

Holly D. Bramble

Holly D. Bramble

Administrative Assistant

Holly D. Bramble

Holly is our newest member of the administrative team. She is hardworking, has proven organizational skills and excellent communication skills. Holly has transitioned to the Estate Planning field from healthcare administration where she gained valuable knowledge that has contributed to her success here at Paths.

Holly enjoys spending time with loved ones, cheering for the Chiefs, and relaxing on the beach.

Administrative Assistant

Tressa L. Purdy

Tressa L. Purdy

Administrative Assistant

Tressa L. Purdy

Tressa has the important role of being a client’s initial point of contact as the law firm’s receptionist for all locations.  She also welcomes, assists, and cares for clients at the Lee’s Summit office. Additionally, she provides support in an administrative capacity for the attorneys, staff, and clients.  When you meet Tressa, the first quality many note is her readiness to be of assistance.

 

Tressa is a graduate of Park Hill High School with extensive administrative experience and executive level management. Tressa brings a stability and comfort to the law firm experience having worked in a variety of industries and having lived in six different major metropolitan cities.

 

Tressa has a daughter, two sons, and one grandchild.  In her free time, she enjoys her family and friends, loves being outdoors, gardening, bike riding and bird watching. Indoor hobbies include scrapbooking, painting cookies, and cheering on Chiefs football. She is a Kansas City native but enjoys traveling but is always happy to be back in her hometown.  

Attorney

Kathleen E. Overton

Kathleen E. Overton, Attorney

Attorney

Kathleen E. Overton

Kathleen Overton is an attorney and owner at Paths Law Firm. She has more than 17 years of experience advocating for those with special needs and navigating the state and federal agencies formed to help the disabled and elderly. At Paths Law Firm, Kathleen’s practice focuses on helping the elderly qualify for nursing home Medicaid, creating estate plans to protect beneficiaries, as well as a lot of time planning and forming businesses. Kathleen also enjoys helping clients form non-profit organizations and obtain 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

 

After attending law school at the University of Oklahoma, Kathleen began representing clients before the Social Security Administration. Eventually her practice switched to federal court appeals and Kathleen spent years representing clients before the Eastern and Western District of Missouri, the District of Kansas, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Kathleen has since focused her practice on estate planning and elder law after watching clients struggle to find ways to financially care for loved ones with special needs or aging parents.

 

Kathleen lives in the Northland with her husband and four children. She spends her free time attending soccer matches and ballet performances with her children and starting endless home improvement projects with her husband. 

Medicaid paralegal

Tena K. Dooley

Tena K. Dooley

Medicaid Paralegal

Tena K. Dooley

Tena is a Medicaid Paralegal.  She is very meticulous and organized.  She works closely with the attorneys, clients, and State representatives. 

Tena has an associate in applied science and has over 20 years of office management experience. She has two daughters and one grandson.

Tena enjoys spending time with her family.  She enjoys everything outdoors and her hobbies include fishing and gardening.

PARALEGAL & ACCOUNTANT

Sydney R. Morris

Sydney R. Morris

PARALEGAL & ACCOUNTANT

Sydney R. Morris

Sydney is the law firm’s internal accountant and one of their experienced paralegals having been with Paths Law Firm since 2017. She is a primary point of contact for estate planning and business planning.

Sydney graduated with honors from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2022 with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She is a Bloch Launchpad, Phi Theta Kappa, and National Honor Society alumni.

In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, baking and going on long walks. 

SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Christy L. Phillips

Christy L. Phillips

SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Christy L. Phillips

Christy has three years of experience in elder law working for seniors and their families. She is currently the Senior Administrative Assistant and organizes the day to day functions of the office and makes sure everything runs smoothly. When asked why she loved what she does, Christy said at Paths Law Firm, she gets the opportunity to help clients in more ways than one. Her favorite parts of the job are getting to know the clients and helping them get their questions answered. 

Christy’s experience in the finance industry has been extremely beneficial to her role as the Senior Administrative Assistant. Christy has a special place in her heart for the elderly and attributes this to the relationship she had with her grandparents. 

Christy was raised in Ogden, Utah and moved to Independence, MO, when she was ten years old. She has been with her high school sweetheart for 25 years and they have two beautiful children together. Her daughter works in the medical industry, and her son currently attends High School and plays Baseball. When Christy is not working, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her family and friends.

Christy’s experience in the finance industry has been extremely beneficial to her role as Benefits Coordinator. There have been many influences that went into her decision to select the field of Elder Law. Christy has a special place in her heart for the elderly and attributes this to her relationship with her grandparents.

When asked why she loves what she does, Christy said that at Paths Elder law, she gets the opportunity to help clients in more ways than one. Her favorite part of her job is getting clients approved for Medicaid or VA benefits as it is a huge relief for them and their loved ones.

Christy was raised in Ogden, Utah, and moved to Independence, MO, when she was ten years old. She has two children that keep her busy and fill her life with joy! Christy’s daughter cheers for Avila University, and her son plays competitive baseball for the Bucks and races BMX locally for the Motorcycle Closeout Team.

When Christy is not working, she enjoys crafting and making homemade gifts for her loved ones and raising her kids to be healthy, happy, and positive humans.

 

Practice Areas

  • Medicaid Benefits
  • VA Benefits

 

Professionalc Memberships and Affiliations

  • Missouri Notary

FINANCIAL MANAGER

René A. Fracassa

René A. Fracassa

FINANCIAL MANAGER

René A. Fracassa

René is the Financial Manager at Paths Law Firm overseeing all aspects of revenue, expenses, and financial planning. She is also responsible for general office management, including assisting in many of the administrative matters that periodically arise. 

René earned her Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri and soon thereafter worked her way through management at The American Restaurant where she worked almost 17 years before relocating to the country of China.

In her spare time, René is currently quite active managing multiple generations of her family, including parents and grandkids.  René has had great impact on the lives of many women teaching discipling and teaching and abundance of Bible Studies. Her former career in management and event planning trained her well to juggle all the activity.

MARKETING MANAGER

Hilary R. Tichota

Hilary Tichota

MARKETING MANAGER

Hilary R. Tichota

Hilary plays a vital role in managing the Marketing Department at Paths Law Firm.  She is excellent at bringing new ideas and sharing valuable resources with the law firm and our community. Hilary has been with the law firm since the beginning, working in nearly every role which is invaluable in her marketing endeavors as she brings a unique set of skills into the Marketing Department.

Hilary is nearly complete in her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Marketing at Park University.  She has earned the honor of being listed in National Honors Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Dean’s List. Hilary is always looking for new and innovative ways to share the law firm’s message.

SR. PARALEGAL & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jennifer A. Bronson

Jennifer Bronson

SR. PARALEGAL & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jennifer A. Bronson

Jennifer is the Sr. Paralegal and Operations Manager at Paths Law Firm.  She oversees the firm’s probate department as well developing, implementing, and managing all the firm’s administrative processes having been with the law firm almost from the beginning.  She enjoys client contact as well as behind-the-scenes operations.

 

Jennifer began her legal career in 1990 as a legal secretary.  She has worked in small and medium sized firms, as well as court operations.  She has her Paralegal Certificate from Boston University, Law Office Management Certificate from University of Central Missouri, and she is a Master Financial Coach. 

 

Jennifer has two daughters, twin sons, and twin grandsons.  She spends as much time as she can with them.  She enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and tending her yard. 

ATTORNEY

Russell A. Fracassa (Rusty)

Attorney Russell A. Fracassa

ATTORNEY

Russell A. Fracassa (Rusty)

When asked what he wants to do, his reply was “I just want to sit at the kitchen table and work directly with people.” Rusty enjoys working with clients providing experienced advocacy and supporting them through their unfamiliar and overwhelming situations. Due to all the challenges faced by seniors, it is essential to work with an experienced elder law attorney who has expertise in the law, issues, and concerns affecting seniors and their families.

Rusty brings more than 30 years legal experience and expertise working for seniors and their families as an elder law attorney in Kansas City and surrounding. Prior to law school, Rusty was an accountant and his first couple years practicing law was as a tax attorney. This provides invaluable experience in his current practice of law. Rusty’s focus is helping protect seniors’ assets from taxes and long-term care costs, benefit qualification, and navigating more complex family scenarios in their estate planning.

Rusty has personally experienced the loss every parent fears, caring for a spouse suffering with cancer and the treatment, and working with aging parents through all stages of their lives.  He intimately understands the challenges faced by individuals and their caretakers when capacity or health declines, how to prepare for it, and the legal matters while in the midst of it.  He may not be able to eliminate his client’s grief, but he strives to provide clients with peace of mind.

In 2010, Rusty’s faith and love led him and part of his family to China as Christian missionaries. He and his wife, went permanently, but ended up dedicating 3 years to that ministry. They returned to Missouri to help with grandchildren after a family tragedy and later began anew with Paths Elder Law. The goal is providing compassionate care through legal advocacy.

Rusty has multiple degrees and advanced study spanning his Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration – Accounting at Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University), Masters of Arts in Accounting and in Intercultural Studies, as well as his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law.

When Rusty is not practicing law, he enjoys spending time with his family, grandchildren, and excessive eating at local restaurants.

Practice Areas

  • Wills and Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Asset Protection
  • Medicaid Benefits
  • VA Benefits
  • Probate
  • Guardianship and Conservatorships
  • Education

 

BSBA and Master’s in Accounting, Master’s in Inter-Cultural Studies, and Doctorate in Juris Prudence

  • Rockhurst University
  • Liberty University
  • University of Missouri – Kansas City


Admissions to Practice

  • Missouri


Professional Memberships and Affiliations

  • State Bar of Missouri
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (long-time Member)
  • Elder Counsel (Charter and Ongoing Member)
  • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (Past Member)
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Missouri State Bar Committees – Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate