There are several types of professionals who claim to “help with Medicaid.” But the difference lies in how deeply involved they are in the day-to-day realities of the process, and how comprehensive their support actually is.
- Elder Law Attorney
Focus: Legal documents, estate planning, trusts, power of attorney, asset transfers
When helpful: When creating irrevocable trusts, handling guardianship, or contesting estate matters
Limitations: Most attorneys do not complete Medicaid applications or handle coordination of care. Their involvement is usually strategic and transactional. Medicaid is one part of their practice, not their main focus.
- Financial Advisor or General Planner
Focus: Investment planning, retirement funding, insurance
When helpful: For long-term financial planning, not Medicaid-specific issues
Limitations: Most are not familiar with Medicaid rules, state eligibility criteria, or application procedures
- Certified Medicaid Planner® (Like Metro Elder Care)
Focus: Medicaid planning is the core business, not a side offering
When helpful: From day one—assessing eligibility, coordinating paperwork, protecting assets, communicating with DSS, and guiding families through every step.
Strengths: Certified Medicaid Planners offer comprehensive, real-world Medicaid strategy, asset planning, application support, and coordination with attorneys when legal work is needed
Why Metro Elder Care is Different
At Metro, Medicaid isn’t something we do—it’s everything we do.
Our team works exclusively in New York State Medicaid planning and case coordination. We live and breathe this process, so when families come to us, we’re already several steps ahead. We don’t just hand you a checklist or refer you to a website—we walk with you through the full journey, from financial assessments to document prep, submission, follow-ups, and eligibility approval. And if you do need an attorney—for a trust, deed change, or legal opinion—we know exactly when and how to bring them in, and we can often coordinate that on your behalf. Many of the attorneys we work with even refer their Medicaid clients to us for this reason.
Key Advantages of Working with Metro Elder Care First
- We Handle the Full Medicaid Process
Attorneys typically don’t fill out applications, gather documents, or follow up with the Department of Social Services. That’s where we come in. We know what’s needed, what DSS will ask, and how to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
- We Focus on Medicaid 24/7
This isn’t just one of many services—we only do Medicaid planning. That means we’re on top of every state-level update, policy change, and care trend that could affect your case.
- We’re More Accessible and More Responsive
You don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment or pay hundreds per hour just to ask a question. Our approach is hands-on, high-touch, and family-centered.
- We Save You Time, Money, and Stress
By starting with a Certified Medicaid Planner, you avoid spending thousands in unnecessary legal fees or hitting roadblocks that could have been prevented with proper strategy.
When Legal Help Is Still Necessary
There are absolutely times when legal tools are helpful—especially when it comes to creating Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, updating power of attorney documents, or transferring property. In those cases, we’ll either work with your attorney or connect you with one from our trusted network. But legal work should be part of the plan—not the entire plan. Too often, families call an attorney first, only to find out they’re still left figuring out the hard parts on their own.
Bottom Line: If Medicaid Is the Goal, Metro Should Be the First Call
Medicaid is complicated. Emotional. Time-sensitive. We don’t just help with the paperwork—we help with the pressure, the worry, the unknowns. At Metro Elder Care, you get more than technical guidance—you get a partner in one of the most important decisions your family will ever make. Let’s talk about your goals, your challenges, and how we can help you move forward—clearly, confidently, and with the experience of a Certified Medicaid Planner® by your side.
Contact us today: 516.797.0601 info@metroeldercare.com