Medicaid, Long Term Care and Social Security

Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc.

This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of the complex systems surrounding Medicaid, long-term care, and Social Security benefits, with a focus on how care management plays a critical role in navigating these processes. Drawing on the experience of Matrix Care Management—a Florida-based home care agency serving the catastrophically injured, developmentally disabled, and elderly—the presentation highlights both the practical and strategic aspects of securing essential benefits and services.

The session begins by defining care management as a multidisciplinary approach that combines advocacy, coordination of services, and clinical assessment to support individuals and families. Attendees will gain insight into the wide range of services provided, including special needs case management, caregiver analysis, benefit evaluations, and quality-of-life planning. The presentation emphasizes how care managers serve as a central point of coordination, ensuring that medical, social, and financial needs are addressed holistically.

A significant portion of the seminar is dedicated to Medicaid, including a step-by-step overview of the application process, timelines, and common challenges. Participants will learn how to navigate the MyAccess system, respond to agency requests, and avoid delays that can jeopardize eligibility. The seminar also explores available community resources and explains how professional care management can assist with applications, follow-up, appeals, and renewals.

The discussion then transitions to long-term care planning, comparing private long-term care insurance with Medicaid-managed care options. Attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, waitlists, and the realities of accessing services, as well as the critical role of early planning. The seminar outlines how care managers advocate for clients throughout the process—from initial referral through service delivery—to maximize available benefits and ensure appropriate care.

Finally, the seminar addresses Social Security benefits, including both Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Key eligibility criteria, such as work history and income limitations, are explained, along with the application and appeals process. The presentation highlights how non-attorney representatives can assist individuals in securing these benefits, particularly in cases involving initial denials.

Throughout the seminar, attendees will gain practical knowledge, real-world strategies, and a clearer understanding of how care management can bridge gaps between healthcare, legal, and government systems. The session concludes with a question-and-answer segment addressing common concerns such as cost, timing of involvement, and scope of services.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of care management in coordinating medical, social, and financial services for individuals with complex needs, including how it supports improved outcomes and quality of life.
2. Identify the eligibility requirements and application processes for Medicaid, long-term care services, and Social Security benefits, including common challenges and strategies to navigate approvals and appeals.
3. Evaluate practical strategies for advising clients or patients on accessing and maximizing public benefits and care services, including when to involve care management and how to avoid delays or denials.

Session Agenda: Medicaid-Long-Term-Care-and-Social-Security.docx

CLE Hours = 1 Substantive