In addition to the challenges most of us face as we age, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders encounter additional obstacles due to inequality, bias laws and policy that affect their financial security and health care options. Of the numerous safety net programs that fail to protect and support LGBT elders equally with their heterosexual peers, the program that has one of the harshest effects on LGBT elders is Medicaid. Proper planning with a comprehensive estate plan that includes a power of attorney for healthcare, and a Medicaid asset protection trust can empower LGBT elders. These tools can help LGBT elders to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their finances so same sex partners can age together with dignity.
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