In helping Tom make decisions, you may need help from professionals such as lawyers, brokers, financial advisors, accountants, real estate agents, appraisers, psychologists, social workers, doctors, nurses, or care managers.
If you need help from any professionals, remember these tips:
- Check on the professional’s qualifications. Many professionals must be licensed or registered by a government agency. Check credentials with the government agency. Make sure the license or registration is current and the professional is in good standing. Check the person’s complaint history.
- Interview the professional thoroughly and ask questions.
- Help Tom review contracts carefully before signing. Before hiring any professionals, get their proposed plan of work and expected fee.
- Help Tom make his own decisions based on facts and advice. Listen to their advice but remember: Tom is the decision-maker.
Medicaid is complicated.
Encourage Tom to get legal advice and be very careful about decisions that may affect his eligibility for Medicaid, especially before selling his home or signing anything that affects his ownership of his home. The Medicaid program provides medical assistance and long-term care to low-income people. For more information, visit hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip. To apply for Medicaid, visit yourtexasbenefits.com.