Wills, Trusts & Probate
That's All We Do
Comprehensive Medicaid Planning Guidance for Orange County Residents
Medicaid planning in North Tustin addresses how individuals and families prepare for possible long-term care needs while working within California’s Medicaid rules. This process looks at assets, income, and legal options to help qualify for benefits without needlessly depleting family resources. Residents of Orange County face particular cost and eligibility pressures, so a clear plan can provide both financial peace and practical solutions for care. Beginning with a careful review of current finances and future care expectations, planning clarifies timelines, potential eligibility hurdles, and tools that may preserve more of an estate for heirs while meeting care costs.
A well-constructed Medicaid planning approach helps North Tustin families understand which assets count for eligibility, how the look-back period operates in California, and what lawful strategies exist to protect housing and savings. For many households, the process reduces confusion and prevents rushed decisions made under pressure when care becomes necessary. Planning allows time to organize important documents, gather records, and align family members around a strategy so that applications proceed smoothly. The goal is to secure access to needed services while maintaining dignity and financial stability during periods of long-term care needs.
Why Medicaid Planning Matters for North Tustin Households
Medicaid planning matters because it creates a pathway to long-term care benefits while helping families retain more of their estate for future generations. By reviewing finances early and applying lawful planning tools, households can reduce the risk of application delays, avoid unnecessary hardship, and plan for housing and health care needs. In North Tustin, where care costs can escalate quickly, understanding available exemptions and timing is especially valuable. Thoughtful planning also supports family discussions, clarifies responsibilities, and establishes a documented strategy that minimizes uncertainty during what can otherwise be a stressful time.
About LA Estate Plans and Our Service Approach
LA Estate Plans serves North Tustin and surrounding Orange County communities with focused estate and Medicaid planning services tailored to local rules. The firm emphasizes clear communication, detailed financial review, and practical solutions that consider each client’s family dynamics and goals. Work begins with listening to priorities and gathering necessary records, then proceeds to design an approach that reflects California’s regulatory framework. Clients receive step-by-step guidance through document preparation and application processes, with attention to timely filings and coordination with financial and healthcare professionals as needed.
Understanding Medicaid Planning in California
Medicaid planning involves evaluating assets, income, and potential legal tools to meet eligibility criteria for long-term care assistance in California. The process typically includes identifying countable resources, assessing exempt property, and determining whether techniques like certain trusts or lawful transfers could be appropriate given the five-year look-back rules. It is important to match planning choices to the applicant’s timeline for care so that protections are effective when benefits are needed. Clear documentation and accurate applications prevent delays and support a smoother review by Medicaid authorities.
During Medicaid planning, individuals often coordinate with family, financial advisors, and care providers to create a coherent plan that balances immediate care needs and estate preservation. Planning may involve protecting a primary residence, structuring income, or documenting allowable expenses to achieve eligibility. Every situation requires an individualized assessment, because household composition and prior financial moves influence options. Taking time to assemble records and describe care expectations makes the planning process more efficient and increases the likelihood of a timely determination by the Medicaid office.
What Medicaid Planning Is and How It Works
Medicaid planning is a legal method of organizing finances and property so that an eligible person can receive Medicaid-funded long-term care without unnecessarily exhausting their lifetime savings. The process examines which assets count toward eligibility, how income will be treated, and what planning tools are available under California law. Techniques might include spend-down strategies, limited transfers outside of the look-back period, and properly drafted ownership arrangements. The objective is to meet program rules while preserving housing and other important assets for a spouse or heirs whenever feasible.
Core Steps and Elements of Medicaid Planning
Key elements of Medicaid planning include a thorough asset inventory, an income analysis, and a review of recent transactions that could trigger the look-back penalty. The planning process often begins with gathering bank statements, titles, and documentation of gifts or transfers. From there, advisors evaluate exemptions that may apply to a primary residence and consider legal instruments that might lawfully protect resources. Implementation requires careful drafting of documents, timely filings, and ongoing monitoring to ensure eligibility criteria remain satisfied over time.
Important Medicaid Planning Terms You Should Know
Understanding common Medicaid planning terms helps homeowners and families make informed choices. Familiarity with concepts such as countable assets, exemptions, spend-down rules, and the look-back period clarifies how eligibility decisions are made. Knowing which words appear in application reviews and notices makes it easier to organize supporting evidence and respond quickly to requests. Clear definitions reduce confusion and help everyone involved communicate more effectively when developing and implementing a planning strategy for long-term care needs in California.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a combined federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to qualifying low-income individuals, including help with long-term care costs for seniors and people with disabilities. Eligibility is based on financial and nonfinancial criteria that vary by state, and California applies specific rules for assets, income, and household composition. Medicaid can cover nursing home care, certain in-home supports, and other long-term services, making it an important resource when private funds are insufficient to meet care needs without jeopardizing a family’s financial security.
Spend-Down
Spend-down refers to lawful methods of reducing countable assets to meet Medicaid eligibility thresholds. This can include paying for approved medical expenses, prepaying funeral costs, or making certain necessary purchases that are permitted by program rules. Proper documentation of these expenditures is essential for a clear eligibility determination. Spend-down strategies must be planned carefully with attention to California’s look-back period and allowable deductions to ensure that the reduction in countable resources is recognized by Medicaid assessors during application review.
Asset Protection Trust
An asset protection trust is a legal arrangement designed to hold assets in a way that may prevent them from being counted for Medicaid eligibility after applicable waiting periods. Certain trusts can be part of a planning strategy when they are created and funded in compliance with state rules and timing requirements. The use and structure of these trusts must reflect California regulations and the look-back period. Properly executed trust arrangements can provide both a degree of asset preservation and clear instructions for managing resources while care needs are anticipated.
Look-Back Period
The look-back period is a timeframe, generally five years in California, during which transfers of assets are reviewed to determine whether penalties apply to Medicaid eligibility. Transfers made during this window can result in a period of ineligibility proportional to the value of the transfers, so timing and documentation matter. Planning often involves structuring transfers either outside this timeframe or using lawful tools to mitigate penalties. Understanding how the look-back period operates is essential to avoid unintended delays in receiving benefits.
Comparing Limited Assistance and Comprehensive Medicaid Planning
There are varying levels of assistance available for Medicaid planning, from quick help focused on immediate application needs to in-depth planning that considers long-term preservation of assets and care preferences. A limited approach may address urgent filing and minimal restructuring for applicants who already fall near eligibility thresholds. A comprehensive plan examines broader estate preservation goals, family dynamics, and future care scenarios, designing tools and timelines that may protect more assets over time. The right path depends on finances, timing, and personal priorities.
When Minimal Medicaid Planning May Be Appropriate:
Low Asset or Income Levels
A limited planning approach can be suitable when an individual’s assets and income already fall within Medicaid eligibility limits and the primary need is assistance with paperwork and timely filing. In these circumstances, the focus is on gathering documentation, submitting accurate applications, and ensuring any allowable exemptions are claimed so benefits can begin quickly. This streamlined path helps avoid unnecessary legal restructuring while securing access to care without prolonged delays or complicated adjustments to ownership.
Immediate Need for Care
When long-term care is needed urgently, a practical limited approach prioritizes rapid application and minimal asset adjustments to expedite coverage. The plan centers on submitting a complete application, documenting medical necessity, and identifying immediate exemptions that apply, such as spousal protections or primary residence allowances under California rules. This route balances speed with compliance so that applicants receive care without extensive restructuring that would take time and may not be possible under pressing circumstances.
Why a Comprehensive Medicaid Plan Can Be Advantageous:
Protecting Family Assets
A comprehensive planning approach offers tools and timing strategies that can better safeguard family assets for future generations while meeting eligibility rules. This approach reviews ownership structures, available exemptions for primary residences, and potential long-term income implications so that more resources may be preserved for heirs. By taking a broad view of family goals and combining legal arrangements with careful documentation, a comprehensive plan can align care needs with legacy planning in a way that limited interventions cannot match.
Reducing Application Risks and Delays
Comprehensive planning reduces the risk of application denials, penalties, or prolonged processing by anticipating documentation needs and resolving potential eligibility questions before they arise. Proper preparation helps address prior transfers, clarify household composition, and document allowable expenses that impact eligibility. This proactive stance shortens review times and lowers the likelihood of surprises, providing a smoother path to benefits. When circumstances are complex, a full review and coordinated strategy protect applicants from avoidable setbacks in the Medicaid process.
Benefits of Taking a Comprehensive Medicaid Planning Approach
A comprehensive Medicaid planning strategy preserves more family resources by integrating legal tools, timing decisions, and careful documentation. This method evaluates long-term care costs alongside estate goals to design arrangements that protect a larger portion of wealth. It also facilitates clear communication among family members and other advisors, creating a coordinated plan that aligns medical, financial, and legacy concerns. The result is greater predictability, fewer surprises in application reviews, and a more stable financial foundation for surviving family members.
Comprehensive planning also decreases the likelihood of eligibility problems by addressing potential obstacles ahead of time, such as prior transfers within the look-back period or unclear ownership of key assets. By preparing thorough documentation and coordinating with healthcare and financial professionals, applicants are better positioned for timely approvals. This approach supports continuity of care and reduces administrative burdens on family members during periods of stress, ensuring that applications are submitted correctly and followed up in a proactive manner.
Greater Asset Preservation
A comprehensive plan seeks legal avenues to preserve housing, savings, and other important assets while meeting Medicaid eligibility requirements. By assessing exemptions and planning transfers outside penalized timeframes where lawful, more of an estate can remain intact for a surviving spouse or heirs. Thoughtful strategies consider both immediate care needs and longer-term inheritance goals so that families can protect their financial futures while ensuring necessary support and services are available when required.
Fewer Application Obstacles
Comprehensive planning reduces the chance of application denials or delays by assembling complete records, documenting allowable deductions, and resolving issues like prior transfers in advance. This preparation enables a swift and clearer review by Medicaid officials and minimizes the need for corrective steps later. When documentation and strategy are aligned with California rules, applicants find the process more predictable and less stressful, helping families receive benefits more efficiently when care is required.
Practice Areas
Top Searched Keywords
- Medicaid planning North Tustin
- Medicaid eligibility California
- look-back period California Medicaid
- protect home from Medicaid
- Medicaid asset protection Orange County
- long-term care planning North Tustin
- Medicaid application assistance
- spend-down strategies California
- estate planning for Medicaid
Practical Tips for Medicaid Planning Success
Start Planning Sooner Rather Than Later
Begin Medicaid planning well in advance of anticipated care needs to allow time for lawful restructuring and to respect California’s look-back period. Early planning provides more options for preserving assets and arranging ownership in ways that comply with program rules. Having time to gather records, coordinate with family members, and prepare necessary documents decreases rush decisions and reduces the risk of penalties. Proactive preparation also increases the likelihood that an applicant will have a clear path to benefits when long-term care becomes necessary.
Keep Organized and Complete Records
Coordinate With Local Advisors
Work with advisors who understand California and Orange County Medicaid rules so planning choices align with state-specific requirements. Local knowledge helps ensure that documents reflect regional practices and that timelines account for state processing times and rules. Coordination with financial planners and healthcare providers aids in creating a comprehensive plan that includes medical documentation and realistic cost estimates. This collaborative approach improves the likelihood of a smooth application process and better preservation of household resources.
Reasons to Consider Medicaid Planning in North Tustin
Medicaid planning is worth considering when long-term care could threaten a household’s financial stability or when family members wish to protect a primary residence and other assets. Planning gives clarity about eligibility, prevents rushed asset transfers that could trigger penalties, and helps align care decisions with financial goals. For many households, the process mitigates the risk of unexpected expenses and provides a structured path to benefits, reducing stress for both the applicant and their loved ones during transitions to higher levels of care.
Another reason to plan is to minimize delays in receiving benefits by ensuring applications are complete and well-documented. Households with prior transfers, complex investments, or multiple sources of income often encounter questions that slow approvals. A proactive review addresses these issues ahead of time and creates a clearer application narrative. Planning also supports family discussions about care preferences and roles, so responsibilities are understood and disputes are less likely when care needs arise.
Common Situations That Lead Families to Seek Medicaid Planning
Families commonly seek Medicaid planning when facing nursing home placement, the need for assisted living, or anticipated long-term in-home support. Other triggers include entering retirement with limited savings, recent transfers of assets within the look-back period, or sudden illness that creates immediate care needs. Planning can also be useful when spouses need protection from depletion of jointly held assets. In all these situations, a deliberate approach helps align care access with preservation of family resources.
Anticipated Nursing Home or Assisted Living Care
When nursing home or assisted living care appears likely, Medicaid planning helps families identify which costs may be covered and how resources will be treated for eligibility. This includes reviewing ownership of the primary residence, documenting medical necessity, and evaluating income and asset thresholds. Careful planning reduces the chance that necessary services are delayed due to incomplete applications while helping to preserve assets for a spouse or heirs whenever permitted under California law.
Recent Asset Transfers or Gifts
If recent gifts or transfers have been made, particularly within the five-year look-back period, families should consider planning to address potential penalties or ineligibility periods. Understanding the timing and documentation of those transfers is vital to calculating possible periods of ineligibility and exploring lawful alternatives. Prompt evaluation of past transactions clarifies options and helps develop a strategy that minimizes adverse consequences once an application is filed.
Limited Savings Facing High Care Costs
Households with modest savings who face significant long-term care expenses often turn to Medicaid planning to avoid exhausting resources. Planning can identify exemptions, permissible spend-down strategies, and methods to protect a portion of the estate for a surviving spouse or heirs. This kind of planning balances immediate care needs with financial preservation so that families can retain stability while accessing necessary services.
We Are Here to Assist North Tustin Families
Why Choose LA Estate Plans for Medicaid Planning
Choosing our firm provides local knowledge of California and Orange County Medicaid rules combined with a practical, client-focused process. We begin with an in-depth review of your finances and recent transactions to identify the most effective lawful strategies. Our goal is to create a planning approach that reflects your family’s priorities and timelines, and to prepare clear documentation that supports a timely eligibility determination while protecting important assets such as a primary residence when possible.
Clients benefit from a process that emphasizes communication and coordination with other professionals, including financial advisors and healthcare providers. We help assemble the records Medicaid requires and guide applicants through submission and follow-up steps so that agency inquiries are handled promptly. This attention to detail minimizes delays and supports a more predictable outcome for families navigating the complexities of long-term care funding.
The firm’s approach also focuses on realistic planning that aligns with California rules, timing constraints, and family dynamics. We work to design plans that meet immediate needs while protecting more assets over the long term. For many households in North Tustin, this practical guidance reduces stress and provides a clearer path forward when care becomes necessary, ensuring decisions are based on sound legal procedures and careful documentation.
Contact LA Estate Plans to Discuss Your Medicaid Planning Options
Our Medicaid Planning Process in North Tustin
Our process begins with a comprehensive intake to understand finances, health needs, and family goals. We gather documentation, review any prior transfers, and analyze asset and income treatment under California rules. From there, we develop an individualized plan that can include spend-down options, protective arrangements for a primary residence, and document preparation. We assist with application submission and follow up with agencies, tracking the status and responding to requests to reduce processing delays and move the case forward efficiently.
Initial Consultation and Financial Assessment
The first step is a detailed consultation where we collect financial records, medical information, and background on recent transactions. This assessment identifies countable assets, applicable exemptions, and any transfers subject to the look-back period. We clarify short-term care needs and long-term goals to shape an appropriate planning path. A full review at the outset reduces surprises later and ensures the recommendations match both eligibility requirements and family priorities.
Gathering Financial and Medical Records
Collecting accurate bank statements, titles, income documentation, and records of recent transfers is essential to a correct eligibility assessment. Medical records that document the need for long-term care also play a role in demonstrating eligibility for certain services. Organized records help streamline application preparation and make it easier to respond to requests from the agency, reducing the likelihood of processing delays and improving the clarity of the applicant’s financial picture.
Discussing Goals and Household Needs
A candid conversation about care preferences, family responsibilities, and legacy goals allows us to tailor planning recommendations to your circumstances. Understanding whether a spouse or disabled dependent will remain in the home, and what assets should be preserved for heirs, shapes choices about permissible protections. Clear goal-setting at the beginning ensures that the chosen strategy balances eligibility concerns with the family’s priorities for the future.
Developing and Implementing the Planning Strategy
Following assessment, we design a plan that addresses eligibility criteria while seeking to preserve important assets. This may involve preparing legal documents, restructuring ownership when appropriate, and advising on allowable spend-downs. Implementation includes drafting necessary paperwork and coordinating with other advisors to align financial and healthcare aspects. We ensure documents reflect California rules and timing considerations so protections are effective when care is needed.
Preparing Legal Documents
Preparing clear and accurate legal documents is a key component of implementation. Documents may include durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and trust instruments that reflect planning goals. Proper drafting and execution help protect assets, designate decision-makers, and support a Medicaid application when appropriate. Careful attention to wording and timing reduces the risk of misunderstandings and ensures documents accomplish the intended objectives under California law.
Coordinating With Financial and Healthcare Advisors
Coordination with financial planners and healthcare providers helps create a unified approach to care and finances. Advisors can provide valuations, advise on investment treatment, and supply medical documentation needed for eligibility determinations. This teamwork ensures that legal documents, financial plans, and medical records align, reducing the chance of conflicting information and increasing the clarity of a Medicaid application to reviewers.
Application Submission and Ongoing Support
Once documents are in place, we assist in preparing and submitting the Medicaid application and supporting materials to the appropriate California agency. We monitor application status, respond to requests for additional information, and advise on next steps if eligibility issues arise. Ongoing support includes tracking processing timelines, communicating with family members, and providing guidance if appeals or supplemental actions become necessary to secure benefits.
Submitting the Application
Submitting a complete application with clear supporting documentation increases the chance of a swift review. Our team compiles required financial records, medical statements, and evidence of allowable expenses to create a cohesive filing. Clear organization and prompt responses to agency inquiries reduce delays and help the applicant receive benefits as soon as possible when care is needed.
Monitoring and Addressing Eligibility Issues
After submission, we monitor the application and address any eligibility questions or requests for clarification from the agency. If issues arise, we evaluate options such as supplying additional documentation or pursuing administrative remedies. Continued oversight helps families navigate follow-up steps efficiently and maintains momentum toward securing the care funding the applicant needs.
The Proof is in Our Performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicaid Planning in North Tustin
What is Medicaid planning and why is it important?
Medicaid planning is a process of organizing finances and assets so that an eligible person can receive Medicaid-funded long-term care without unnecessarily exhausting lifetime savings. The planning process reviews countable resources, income, and recent transfers, and then identifies lawful strategies to meet eligibility criteria. By addressing timing, documenting allowable expenses, and using appropriate legal arrangements, Medicaid planning aims to secure access to care while preserving as much of a household’s estate as possible for a surviving spouse or heirs. Early planning offers practical benefits. It allows time to gather necessary records, coordinate with family members and other advisors, and avoid rushed transfers that could trigger penalties under the look-back rules. A deliberate approach reduces the risk of application delays and provides greater clarity about when benefits will begin. For homeowners and families in North Tustin, planning also focuses on state-specific rules that impact residence exemptions and income treatment under California’s Medicaid program.
What is the look-back period in California Medicaid planning?
The look-back period in California is typically five years from the date an applicant files for Medicaid benefits. During this timeframe, the agency reviews transfers of assets to determine whether they were made for less than fair market value, which may result in a period of ineligibility. Transfers within the look-back period can create penalty months based on the value transferred, so timing matters when arranging any gifts or ownership changes. Understanding the look-back period helps families plan transfers and other strategies properly. Planning often involves structuring moves so that they occur outside the look-back window when possible, documenting the reasons for transfers, or identifying legal tools that align with state rules. A careful review of prior transactions is essential to calculate any potential penalties and to craft a plan that minimizes interruption of benefits when long-term care is needed.
Can my home be protected during Medicaid planning?
In many cases, a primary residence may be protected from being counted as an asset for Medicaid eligibility under certain conditions, such as when a spouse or a dependent with a disability continues to live in the home. Specific exemptions and allowances depend on household composition and state rules. Planning may include documenting occupancy and exploring arrangements that preserve the home while meeting eligibility standards. Protecting a home often requires careful coordination of legal documents and timing decisions, especially in light of the look-back period. Strategies may involve transferring ownership under permitted circumstances, establishing qualifying trusts, or ensuring that protections for a resident spouse are properly claimed. Clear documentation and adherence to California rules increase the likelihood that the residence will be treated according to applicable exemptions.
Which assets does Medicaid count when determining eligibility?
Medicaid typically counts most liquid assets such as cash, bank accounts, investments, and certain valuable personal property when determining eligibility. Some items are exempt, including a primary residence under qualifying conditions, personal belongings, and limited types of prepaid burial expenses. Income is treated separately and can affect eligibility and cost-sharing requirements. Knowing which items are countable and which are exempt guides planning choices and permissible spend-down strategies. Accurate asset classification is essential to avoid delays or denials. Maintaining clear records and documenting exempt status for items like a primary residence or certain retirement accounts helps the reviewing agency make a timely determination. When assets are complex or ownership is shared, clarifying how resources are held and documenting any transfers ensures an application is supported by the necessary information.
How long does the Medicaid application process typically take?
The Medicaid application timeline varies based on case complexity and agency responsiveness. Simple applications with clear documentation may be processed in several weeks, while more complicated cases involving prior transfers, unusual assets, or requests for additional information can take several months. Delays often occur when records are incomplete or when the agency requests clarification, so thorough preparation helps keep processing time to a minimum. Following up promptly on agency requests and submitting well-organized supporting materials reduces the chance of prolonged review. Coordinating with medical providers to supply required medical necessity documentation and ensuring financial records are complete both contribute to faster determinations. Ongoing monitoring of the application status also helps families respond quickly to any issues that arise.
What happens if assets were transferred during the look-back period?
Transfers made during the look-back period can lead to a period of ineligibility for Medicaid benefits, with the duration based on the value of the transfer. The agency reviews the nature and timing of the transfers to determine whether they were made for less than fair market value. If so, a penalty period may be imposed during which the applicant is not eligible for benefits, which can delay access to long-term care funding. When such transfers exist, a careful review determines whether exemptions or justifications apply and calculates any potential penalty period. Planning can sometimes mitigate consequences through documentation, clarifying the purpose of transfers, or exploring alternative lawful strategies. Early detection of problematic transfers allows families to take steps that reduce the impact of penalties on care access.
How does Medicaid planning differ from estate planning?
Medicaid planning focuses specifically on qualifying for government-funded long-term care benefits during an individual’s lifetime, with attention to asset treatment, income rules, and timing for transfers. Estate planning generally addresses the distribution of assets after death, the appointment of decision-makers, and related legacy goals. While both overlap, Medicaid planning is centered on meeting eligibility rules while preserving assets where possible during the applicant’s lifetime. The two areas can be integrated for a cohesive approach. Combining measures that protect assets for heirs with steps that secure Medicaid eligibility creates a more complete financial plan for families. Coordination ensures that documents like trusts, powers of attorney, and directives work together to meet both immediate care needs and longer-term estate goals.
Will having savings automatically disqualify me from Medicaid?
Having savings does not automatically disqualify someone from Medicaid, but there are strict limits on countable assets and income that determine eligibility. Medicaid planning reviews how savings are held and whether certain exemptions or spend-down options apply. Structuring resources within program limits and documenting allowable expenses can help applicants remain eligible while preserving necessary funds for daily living or care costs. Planning typically involves analyzing account ownership, income flows, and permissible uses for savings to meet eligibility thresholds. Where possible, lawful restructuring or purchase of exempt items can reduce countable resources. The outcome depends on individual circumstances, so a detailed financial review clarifies how savings will be treated under California’s rules.
Do Medicaid rules change often in California?
Medicaid rules can change over time due to legislative updates or policy adjustments, and state-level implementation may affect eligibility details and processing. Staying informed about changes in California law helps ensure that any planning remains valid and effective. Regular review of plans and documents is advisable so that strategies reflect current rules and continue to serve family goals as regulations evolve. Because updates may impact timing, exemptions, or treatment of assets, families should periodically revisit planning decisions and adjust as needed. Monitoring changes and revising documents or approaches ensures ongoing compliance and reduces the risk that previously appropriate arrangements become problematic under new guidance or rules.
Can I pursue Medicaid planning without legal assistance?
It is possible to pursue Medicaid planning without professional assistance, but the complexity of California’s rules and the potential consequences of mistakes make careful attention essential. Individuals who choose to self-manage should invest time in understanding asset treatment, the look-back period, and documentation requirements. Accurate records and a clear understanding of permissible transactions are necessary to avoid penalties and application delays. Many households find practical value in consulting with advisers who understand local rules to avoid common errors. Working with knowledgeable professionals can simplify document preparation, clarify timing choices, and ensure that filings are complete and accurate. This collaborative approach often reduces stress and increases the likelihood of a timely and favorable outcome for those seeking long-term care benefits.