Don't Let Long-Term Care Costs Wipe Out a Lifetime of Hard Work.

Imagine spending decades building your savings, only to watch them disappear in a matter of months.

In New York, the average cost of a nursing home is over $15,000 per month. Home care can be just as expensive. Medicare will not save you; it covers short-term rehab, not long-term living. The reality is that 70% of adults over 65 will require some form of long-term care, yet most families are unprepared for the cost.

This leaves many families facing a terrifying choice: burn through their entire inheritance to pay for care, or go without.

At the Law Office of Samantha Fix, I offer a third option: Strategic Planning. As an Elder Law attorney, I help you qualify for government benefits (Medicaid) to pay for your care, while legally sheltering your assets for your spouse and your children.

It's Not About "Hiding" Money. It's About the Rules.

The Medicaid system is complex, but it is navigable if you have the right map. My goal is to ensure you receive the highest quality care—whether at home or in a facility—without impoverishing your spouse or losing your family home.

I handle both sides of the planning spectrum:

1. Proactive Planning (The "5-Year Lookback") If you are healthy now, this is the "Golden Window." By placing assets into a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, we can start the clock on the 5-year penalty period. Once that time passes, your assets are 100% protected from nursing home costs.

• Best For: Individuals 65+ who are currently healthy but want to secure their legacy.

2. Crisis Planning (Emergency Protection) If a loved one has just been hospitalized or admitted to a nursing home, it is not too late. New York offers specific strategies (such as Spousal Refusal and Promissory Note planning) that can still save a significant portion of assets, even at the last minute.

• Best For: Families in immediate crisis facing imminent care bills.

Understanding Your Care Options

As your attorney, I don't just look at the money; I look at the person. I help you navigate the full spectrum of care available in New York:

• Community Medicaid (Home Care): New York has one of the best programs in the country for keeping you in your own home with a customized care plan.
• Assisted Living: For those who need independence with a safety net.
• Skilled Nursing: For those requiring round-the-clock medical attention.

Why Choose a "Digital Concierge" for Elder Law?

Medicaid applications are bureaucratic nightmares. One missing bank statement from 2019 can cause a denial.

• I Handle the Paperwork: I gather the 60 months of financial records required by the state.
• Direct Access: You deal with me, not a paralegal. When you are stressed about Mom's care, you get a direct answer.
• Holistic Approach: I coordinate with your financial advisor and social workers to ensure the legal plan matches the care plan.

Common Questions (FAQ)

"Is it too late to protect my assets?" Almost never. While planning 5 years ahead is ideal, we can often save 40-50% of assets even after someone has entered a nursing home.

"Will I lose my home?" Generally, no—if we plan correctly. Your home is often an exempt asset for your spouse, or we can transfer it to a trust to protect it from Medicaid estate recovery.

"Doesn't Medicare cover this?" No. Medicare covers acute medical issues (like a broken hip). It generally stops paying after 20-100 days. Long-term custodial care (help with bathing, eating, dressing) is out-of-pocket unless you qualify for Medicaid.

Secure Your Future Today

You cannot predict your health, but you can control your finances. Don't leave your legacy to chance.

Contact me today at (516) 716-8700 or use the form below to schedule your Free 1-Hour Strategy Consultation.