Garden City, NY Medicaid and Medicare Planning Lawyer

Medicaid and Medicare Planning Attorney in Garden City, NY

Planning for the future can be difficult. Along with considerations such as estate planning, having an understanding of medical expenses and available assistance can be critical for achieving peace of mind. At Pezzello Law, our Garden City, NY, Medicaid and Medicare planning lawyers can provide guidance and understanding for peace of mind.

About Our Firm

For over 30 years, Pezzello Law has been assisting the people of Nassau and Suffolk counties across a range of legal issues. Our work has garnered the respect of the business community, earning us the 2026 Quality Business Award.

This award and recognition do not guarantee future results, as selection criteria vary by organization. However, it does reflect our commitment to providing high-quality legal representation. Our Garden City Medicaid and Medicare planning attorneys understand that the needs of the client come first, and we provide empathetic, results-oriented guidance.

Medicare and Medicaid

It is an unfortunate fact that with age comes increased costs. For seniors requiring medical assistance, expenses such as nursing care and assisted living are often realities. In 2026, the nursing costs in New York range upwards of $15,000 per month. As such, it is important to be familiar with Medicare and Medicaid in the Empire State.

Medicare is a federal insurance program for senior citizens and people with qualifying disabilities, while Medicaid is a program funded jointly by both state and federal governments to help cover medical costs for individuals with limited incomes. Together, these programs cover a range of services, including, among others:

• Doctor visits
• Dental care
• Hospitalizations
• Assisted living and nursing costs

Qualifying for Assistance in Garden City, New York

To qualify for Medicare, an individual must be 65 years or older and a US citizen, resident, or an alien lawfully residing in the country and has lived for five continuous years in the country prior to filing.

To qualify for Medicaid in New York, a person must be a permanent resident within the state, be 65 years or older, and/or have a qualifying disability, in addition to meeting specific income requirements.

If single, a person cannot exceed $1,856 in monthly income, or $2,509 if living with a spouse. An applicant’s total available resources cannot exceed $33,038 in value for individuals, and $44,796 for married couples.

These thresholds often change year to year, and understanding how to meet them can require complex legal and financial planning so that the beneficiary does not end up spending money out of pocket and exhausting their personal savings. As such, it is critical to hire a Medicaid and Medicare planning lawyer to help guide your plans for the future and obtain the help you are entitled to.

How Pezzello Law Can Help

A Medicaid and Medicare planning lawyer in Garden City can help navigate the complexities of obtaining medical assistance while keeping long-term financial health in mind. At Pezzello Law, our lawyers have extensive experience across a range of Medicare planning cases and can offer a variety of services.

There are various approaches that can be taken to help provide peace of mind when it comes to Medicaid and Medicare planning. A few of these include:

• Establishing an irrevocable trust. An irrevocable trust is an arrangement where the person setting it up (the grantor) relinquishes control of assets to a third party (the trustee), who can then provide payments to a beneficiary. Setting up an irrevocable trust can help prevent certain assets from being counted against Medicaid’s threshold limits.
• Comprehensive estate planning. In addition to establishing mechanisms such as trusts, we can assist with creating an overall financial approach that takes into consideration matters such as will drafting, establishing beneficiaries, and identifying proxies in the event of medical incapacitation.
• Applications and appeals. The application process for assistance can often be difficult to understand. Having a capable attorney by your side can provide a comprehensive approach that reviews necessary documents. In the case of rejection, they can file appeals and represent your interests. They can also liaise with local resources such as the Nassau County Department of Social Services and the Medical Rights Center.

FAQs About Medicaid and Medicare Planning Law

How Much Does a Medicaid Lawyer Charge?

There is no standard for how much a Medicaid lawyer charges. As legal professionals, attorneys are entitled to charge what they believe is appropriate for their services. Depending on the circumstances, such as the amount of assets a person owns, the parties involved in the application, and whether an application is rejected, costs can fluctuate.

What Is the Income Limit to Qualify for Medicaid in NY for 2026?

The income limit for long-term care under Medicaid in New York in 2026 varies depending on the circumstances. For qualifying applicants who are single, they must have a monthly income of no more than $1,856 with a total availability of resources at or below $33,038. For married couples, monthly income is limited to $2,509, with an availability of resources valued at $44,796 or less.

What Type of Lawyer Deals With Medicaid?

There are various types of lawyers who deal with Medicaid issues. Often, they are professionals with estate planning or elder law experience. Typically, these fields require a deep understanding of medical care and associated costs that come to those of retirement age, as well as people with disabilities. Having an attorney with this experience can be beneficial in providing guidance and insight when applying for Medicaid and Medicare benefits.

Are Medicaid Planners Worth It?

Yes, Medicaid planners are worth it. The Medicaid process can be extremely complex for the average person. An experienced professional can help untangle the confusion, help you understand what can be done to qualify for benefits, and suggest positive steps that can be taken in your case to secure financial stability.

Hire a Medicaid and Medicare Planning Lawyer in Garden City

In New York, there are over 6 million people reliant on Medicaid relief. It is never too early to start thinking about finding security for later in life or an ongoing disability. At Pezzello Law, our talented lawyers are prepared to offer you guidance in navigating the complexities of Medicaid and Medicare planning. Contact us today to learn how we can help you, and visit our firm here in Garden City, at 300 Garden City Plaza.