Top 10 Codes You Aren’t Meant To Know - Listverse
Stores, hospitals, entertainment venues, and other places
where the public are together in large numbers, use secret codes to pass
information between store employees. These are meant to be a secret as
they don’t want to alarm the non-staff members or alert someone (like a
thief) to the fact that they have been noticed. Many stores have their
own codes – for example WalMart, but there are a number that are nearly
universal in application. This is a list of ten secret codes that may
prove useful to you in future, or at least dispel any curiosity you may
have if you hear them.
Strategies to Protect Your Money from Medicaid - AgingCare.com
AgingCare.com is not simply a website, but a community of caregivers facing the challenge of caring for an elderly loved one.
They provide a comfortable meeting place for the free exchange of ideas with knowledgeable professionals, responsive experts, and people just like you. They provide an excellent knowledge network, use it.
The following is extracted from AgingCare.com
{quote}
Too few older adults know and understand their rights and options regarding health care, particularly long-term care, which, to quote the New York Court of Appeals, is "ruinously expensive."
A Caregiver Agreement is an excellent strategy in many cases where extra services are needed or desired that would not be covered by Medicaid, and are outside the scope of what a nursing facility or home care attendants would provide.
The caregiver can be a son, a daughter or other family member, a friend, a geriatric care manager or a home care agency. The services can be paid for in advance, and the payment will then reduce countable resources, helping the person in need of care gain Medicaid eligibility. A family member can render these services, providing income for that person (who may have given up a job or taken time off from work), and reducing conflict with other family members who are unable or unwilling to help out.
If the caregiver is to be paid in advance, the keys to creating an agreement that will be accepted by Medicaid are:
The contract must specifically define the services provided and hours to be worked by the caregiver.
The lump sum payment must be calculated using a reasonable life expectancy and legitimate market rates for the services.
A daily log of actual services rendered and hours worked must be maintained, along with written invoices.
Upon the death of the patient, any unearned amounts must be paid to Medicaid, up to the amount that Medicaid paid on behalf of the patient.
Spousal Transfers and Spousal Refusal
An important feature of the Medicaid laws is that transfers between spouses are permitted, are not subject to the "look back," and thus do not result in any penalty. In the case of a married couple, one of the basic strategies is to transfer any assets that are in the name of the spouse who needs care to the name of the well spouse (also called the "community spouse" where the spouse who needs care is in a nursing home).
New York and some other states permit something called "spousal refusal." In these scenarios, the well (or community) spouse will refuse to provide support for the spouse who needs care.As a result, the spouse who needs care will be immediately eligible for Medicaid, and will receive services.
Once Medicaid provides services, it has the right to seek contribution from the well spouse. In some cases, however, Medicaid does not pursue its rights, and in other cases it is willing to settle at a discount. At a minimum, the well spouse will receive a significant benefit because any reimbursement to Medicaid will be at Medicaid's discounted rates, rather than at the private pay rates that the providers would have charged.
Unfortunately, the majority of states are "spousal share" states that do not permit spousal refusal. In these states, the resources of both spouses are counted towards the Medicaid eligibility amount, and the above strategy is therefore ineffective.
Elder Law attorneys are able to work within the Medicaid laws to produce favorable outcomes for their clients. Bear in mind that every case has its unique facts, and these strategies might or might not be the top five for you, given your circumstances. In any case, it's hardly ever too late to develop an effective strategy to obtain benefits, and protect at least some of your assets or income at the same time.
David Cutner is a former family caregiver and co-founder of Lamson & Cutner, a boutique elder law firm in Manhattan, known for its successful strategic planning and insights into the issues of today's elder law maze.
{End of Quoting}
I have no connection with David Cutner the following contact information is my thanks to him.
They provide a comfortable meeting place for the free exchange of ideas with knowledgeable professionals, responsive experts, and people just like you. They provide an excellent knowledge network, use it.
The following is extracted from AgingCare.com
{quote}
Too few older adults know and understand their rights and options regarding health care, particularly long-term care, which, to quote the New York Court of Appeals, is "ruinously expensive."
A Caregiver Agreement is an excellent strategy in many cases where extra services are needed or desired that would not be covered by Medicaid, and are outside the scope of what a nursing facility or home care attendants would provide.
The caregiver can be a son, a daughter or other family member, a friend, a geriatric care manager or a home care agency. The services can be paid for in advance, and the payment will then reduce countable resources, helping the person in need of care gain Medicaid eligibility. A family member can render these services, providing income for that person (who may have given up a job or taken time off from work), and reducing conflict with other family members who are unable or unwilling to help out.
If the caregiver is to be paid in advance, the keys to creating an agreement that will be accepted by Medicaid are:
The contract must specifically define the services provided and hours to be worked by the caregiver.
The lump sum payment must be calculated using a reasonable life expectancy and legitimate market rates for the services.
A daily log of actual services rendered and hours worked must be maintained, along with written invoices.
Upon the death of the patient, any unearned amounts must be paid to Medicaid, up to the amount that Medicaid paid on behalf of the patient.
Spousal Transfers and Spousal Refusal
An important feature of the Medicaid laws is that transfers between spouses are permitted, are not subject to the "look back," and thus do not result in any penalty. In the case of a married couple, one of the basic strategies is to transfer any assets that are in the name of the spouse who needs care to the name of the well spouse (also called the "community spouse" where the spouse who needs care is in a nursing home).
New York and some other states permit something called "spousal refusal." In these scenarios, the well (or community) spouse will refuse to provide support for the spouse who needs care.As a result, the spouse who needs care will be immediately eligible for Medicaid, and will receive services.
Once Medicaid provides services, it has the right to seek contribution from the well spouse. In some cases, however, Medicaid does not pursue its rights, and in other cases it is willing to settle at a discount. At a minimum, the well spouse will receive a significant benefit because any reimbursement to Medicaid will be at Medicaid's discounted rates, rather than at the private pay rates that the providers would have charged.
Unfortunately, the majority of states are "spousal share" states that do not permit spousal refusal. In these states, the resources of both spouses are counted towards the Medicaid eligibility amount, and the above strategy is therefore ineffective.
Elder Law attorneys are able to work within the Medicaid laws to produce favorable outcomes for their clients. Bear in mind that every case has its unique facts, and these strategies might or might not be the top five for you, given your circumstances. In any case, it's hardly ever too late to develop an effective strategy to obtain benefits, and protect at least some of your assets or income at the same time.
David Cutner is a former family caregiver and co-founder of Lamson & Cutner, a boutique elder law firm in Manhattan, known for its successful strategic planning and insights into the issues of today's elder law maze.
{End of Quoting}
I have no connection with David Cutner the following contact information is my thanks to him.
| Lamson & Cutner, P.C. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 East 40th Street | ||||||||||||||||||||
| New York, New York 10016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
800AgeInfo - Information on Programs - Caregiver Support Page
800AgeInfo - Information on Programs - Caregiver Support Page
Caregiver Support
administered through a partnership with local Area Agencies on Aging
(AAAs) and Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs). MFCSP provides family
caregivers guidance, support, and attention that often is unavailable or
overlooked. Caregivers receive individual attention to:
even isolating; yet it can be meaningful and rewarding as well. It is
critical that caregivers are aware of available services. Through the
MFCSP compassionate and knowledgeable professionals work directly with
caregivers offering a range of services that may include:
Caregiver Support
(caring for an individual)
The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program (MFCSP) isadministered through a partnership with local Area Agencies on Aging
(AAAs) and Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs). MFCSP provides family
caregivers guidance, support, and attention that often is unavailable or
overlooked. Caregivers receive individual attention to:
- discuss their caregiving situation
- increase knowledge of and access to resources
- make informed decisions and solve problems related to their caregiver role
- increase their own personal well-being including reduced stress
Family caregivers are individuals who:
- Care for a spouse, parent, other relative or friend who is age 60 or older, or who has Alzheimer’s disease.
- Are grandparents age 55 or older who are caring for grandchildren who are 18 years of age or younger, or who are disabled.
- Are over the age of 55 and caring for a disabled individual who is not their child.
even isolating; yet it can be meaningful and rewarding as well. It is
critical that caregivers are aware of available services. Through the
MFCSP compassionate and knowledgeable professionals work directly with
caregivers offering a range of services that may include:
- One-on-one Counseling
- Family Meeting
- In-home Assessment
- In-home Services
- Respite (a break for caregivers)
- Nutrition Services
- Transportation Services
- Caregiver Training
- Support Groups
- Supplemental Services (such as assistive devices, emergency response system)
- Financial Counseling
- Legal Referral
Comfort Care DNR protocol
When a patient is in a non-hospital setting, Emergency Medical
Technicians (EMTs) are required to provide emergency medical care and to
transport patients to appropriate health care facilities. Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) personnel are required by law to provide
treatment to the fullest extent possible, subject to their level of
training.
Comfort Care DNR Order Verification Protocol (Comfort and Care DNR)
- The Comfort Care DNR is designed to allow EMTs and first responders to honor a DNR order in an out-of-hospital setting.
- Before 1999, when Massachusetts implemented its Comfort Care DNR protocol, there was no mechanism to enable EMT’s and other first responders to recognize DNR orders in a non-hospital setting. So EMT personnel were always obligated to perform full resuscitation measures when they encountered a patient unable to convey directions regarding medical treatment.
- The Comfort Care DNR protocol provides for a statewide, uniform DNR verification protocol.
- The purpose of the Comfort Care DNR is to: (a) provide a verification of DNR orders to enable EMTs and first responders to honor DNR orders, (b) clarify the role and responsibilities of EMTs and first responders at the scene and/or during transport of patients who have a valid current DNR order, (c) avoid resuscitation of patients who have a current and valid DNR, (d) provide for palliative/comfort care measures for patients with a current Comfort Care DNR order verification form.
- Comfort Care DNR order verification forms must be completed and signed by the patient’s physician, authorized Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.
- The patient must post the Comfort Care DNR where any EMT or first responder can easily find it. (Usually the patient’s refrigerator, or taped to the patients bedroom door. The Department of Public Health stopped issuing Comfort Care DNR bracelets in 2007, but the Department’s approved form contains bracelet inserts that can be used in generic wrist bracelets.
- The Comfort Care DNR Order Verification form can be accessed by anyone, in downloadable format from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health/Office of Emergency Medical Services website, at: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/oems/comfort-care/public-health-oems-comfort-care-verification.html. But the form must be fully completed and signed by the attending physician, authorized nurse practitioner or authorized physician assistant as proscribed by the regulations.
Comfort Care Order (CCO-DNR) program Plus MOLST
EMS Comfort Care Order Do Not Resuscitate Program | doh
The
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Comfort Care Order-Do Not Resuscitate
(CCO-DNR) program allows patients diagnosed with a specific medical or
terminal condition to express their wishes regarding end of life
resuscitation in the pre or post-hospital setting.
The program requires that a patient’s attending physician certify and sign a Comfort Care Order
(CCO) that states the patient (adult or child) has a specific medical
or terminal condition. The patient, or his or her authorized decision
maker or surrogate, must also consent and sign the CCO (verbal orders
are not valid). The physician then places a Comfort Care bracelet on the
patien
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Comfort Care Order-Do Not Resuscitate
(CCO-DNR) program allows patients diagnosed with a specific medical or
terminal condition to express their wishes regarding end of life
resuscitation in the pre or post-hospital setting.
The program requires that a patient’s attending physician certify and sign a Comfort Care Order
(CCO) that states the patient (adult or child) has a specific medical
or terminal condition. The patient, or his or her authorized decision
maker or surrogate, must also consent and sign the CCO (verbal orders
are not valid). The physician then places a Comfort Care bracelet on the
patien
Resources | Novant Health | Choices and Champions
Resources | Novant Health | Choices and Champions
Novant Health is a integrated system of physician practices, hospitals, outpatient centers, and more – each element committed to delivering a remarkable healthcare experience for you and your family.
Novant Health is a integrated system of physician practices, hospitals, outpatient centers, and more – each element committed to delivering a remarkable healthcare experience for you and your family.
- Aging with Dignity
- American Bar Association Consumer’s Toolkit for Healthcare Advance Planning
- American Bar Association: Myths and Facts about Health Care Advance Directives
- American Bar Association smartphone app for advance directives
- BeginTheConversation.org
- Caring Connections
- The Conversation Project
- Donate Life America
- Engage with Grace
- Get Palliative Care
- A Gift to Your Family
- The Go Wish game
- It's OK to Die When You Are Prepared
- MedlinePlus
- Moments of Life
- N.C. Partnership for Compassionate Care
- OrganDonor.gov
- South Carolina Advance Care Planning: Isn’t It Time We Talked?
Code Comfort: A Code Blue Alternative for Patients with DNRs - HBR
Code Comfort: A Code Blue Alternative for Patients with DNRs - HBR
Code Comfort provides a response for patients whose code status is
DNR and who desire comfort measures only. It is a compassionate way to
manage pain and suffering — including emotional suffering — during an
acute crisis without providing unwanted care. Hospital staff responding
to a Code Comfort may include palliative care physicians, nurses,
respiratory therapists, chaplains and others who are prepared to rapidly
address the patient’s physical symptoms, as well as the suffering and
concerns of family members.
As is true for CPR efforts, we know teamwork matters to relieve the
suffering of dying patients. Code Comfort protocols include an
algorithm-driven method for assessing and addressing symptoms such as
pain, agitation and dyspnea. For example, a patient suffering from
severe, acute dyspnea would be given morphine and increased oxygen, her
head would be elevated, a fan might be used to provide a comforting
breeze, and she’d receive other measures to reduce anxiety. Importantly,
Code Comfort ensures that no patient or family suffers alone. Nurses
are present during the code, actively treating the patient’s symptoms
and calling in other team members as needed, all of which provides
essential emotional support and reassurance
Code Comfort: A Code Blue Alternative for Patients with DNRs
Melissa P. Phipps, John D. Phipps; December 9, 2014
Code Comfort provides a response for patients whose code status is
DNR and who desire comfort measures only. It is a compassionate way to
manage pain and suffering — including emotional suffering — during an
acute crisis without providing unwanted care. Hospital staff responding
to a Code Comfort may include palliative care physicians, nurses,
respiratory therapists, chaplains and others who are prepared to rapidly
address the patient’s physical symptoms, as well as the suffering and
concerns of family members.
As is true for CPR efforts, we know teamwork matters to relieve the
suffering of dying patients. Code Comfort protocols include an
algorithm-driven method for assessing and addressing symptoms such as
pain, agitation and dyspnea. For example, a patient suffering from
severe, acute dyspnea would be given morphine and increased oxygen, her
head would be elevated, a fan might be used to provide a comforting
breeze, and she’d receive other measures to reduce anxiety. Importantly,
Code Comfort ensures that no patient or family suffers alone. Nurses
are present during the code, actively treating the patient’s symptoms
and calling in other team members as needed, all of which provides
essential emotional support and reassurance
Code Comfort: A Code Blue Alternative for Patients with DNRs
Melissa P. Phipps, John D. Phipps; December 9, 2014
In the hospital? Are you a hospital inpatient or outpatient?
In the hospital? Are you a hospital inpatient or outpatient? May 21, 2014 by Wendy Shane
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
May 21, 2014 by Wendy Shane
May 21, 2014 by Wendy Shane
Why does this matter to patients?
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications, so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly, patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.Why does this matter to patients?
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
Why does this matter to patients?
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
Why does this matter to patients?
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
Why does this matter to patients?
When hospital patients are classified as outpatients on Observation
Status, they may be charged for services that Medicare would have paid
if they were properly admitted as inpatients (for example, medications,
so you may want to bring medications with you). Most significantly,
patients will not be able to obtain any Medicare coverage if they need
nursing home care after their hospital stay. Medicare only covers
nursing home care for patients who have a minimum 3-day inpatient
hospital stay. Observation Status doesn’t count towards the 3-day stay.
- See more at: http://lcdne.com/aging/are-you-a-hospital-inpatient-or-outpatient#sthash.pcIuTJej.dpuf
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