How Should I Choose a Medicaid Attorney?

When dealing with the Medicaid system in the United States, it is often a good idea to obtain counsel from an attorney. However, not all attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations that govern the function of Medicaid. For that reason, it is best to seek out the services of a bona fide Medicaid attorney. If you find yourself with an issue involving the health care benefits or other issues related to Medicaid, here is how to find the right type of legal representation.

Many people assume that any attorney or law firm with experienced in elder law will of necessity be qualified to assist in any legal issued involving Medicaid. That is not necessarily the case. Elder law is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of legal services related to people past retirement age. This means that the lawyer may have a great deal of competency in areas such as housing or work related issues, but not necessarily be well versed with Medicaid. Keep in mind that you do not want to engage the services of an elder law attorney, but the more specified Medicaid attorney, and don’t allow anyone to tell you the two terms are interchangeable.

Begin your search for a Medicaid attorney by contacting various legal firms and asking if they have lawyers on staff who handle Medicaid cases, including but not limited to lawsuits. Chances are you will speak with an administrative assistant or possibly an office manager. If you cannot get a definite answer on the issue of experience with Medicaid, then cross that law firm off the list and move on to the next one. Firms who have a solid history of dealing with issues involving Medicaid insurance coverage, claims, and other aspects of the agency’s operations are usually quick to confirm they do take on this type of legal work.

Once you have identified several firms who do deal with Medicaid issues, begin the process of qualifying their scope of experience. True Medicaid attorneys will possess an up-to-the-minute knowledge on any and every aspect of how Medicaid functions, and how your rights in relation to those functions are currently covered in the laws of the land. Your goal is to identify which attorney or firm is most likely to have experience in your particular type of claim or issue and schedule an appointment.

Upon scheduling an appointment, ask for information on the type of documents you should bring to the meeting. Generally, the individual scheduling the appointment will know exactly what you should bring along and provide you with a quick list. Many firms also follow up the verbal confirmation with a reminder delivered through regular mail. This reminder is also likely to contain a list of information and documents to bring to the meeting.

Before engaging the services of any Medicaid attorney, it is imperative to meet him or her in person. Along with assessing the credentials of the lawyer, it is also important that you be able to establish a working rapport with your legal counsel. This will make the process of resolving your legal issues much easier for both of you.