The Role of Life Estates in Medicaid Planning: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

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Planning for long-term care is a critical aspect of financial and estate planning, particularly as healthcare costs continue to rise. Many West Virginians find themselves facing the daunting prospect of needing nursing home care or in-home assistance and understandably worry about how to afford this care without depleting all their assets, including their home.

Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, provides vital assistance for individuals with limited income and resources. However, qualifying for Medicaid requires careful planning due to its strict eligibility requirements. One strategy that often arises in this context is the use of a life estate.

What is a Life Estate?

A life estate is a form of joint property ownership where the right to possess and use the property is divided between two or more individuals over different periods. Specifically, it involves:

  • The Life Tenant: This individual holds the right to possess, use, and enjoy the property for the duration of their lifetime. They can live in the property, rent it out, and receive any income generated from it. However, they do not have the right to sell the entire property outright.
  • The Remainderman (or Remaindermen): This individual (or individuals) holds a future interest in the property. Upon the death of the life tenant, the remainderman automatically becomes the full owner of the property, without the need for probate.

How it Works: A life estate is typically created through a deed. The current owner of the property (the grantor) executes a deed that transfers the property to themselves as the life tenant and names the remainderman. This deed is then recorded with the county Register of Deeds.

Example: Imagine a West Virginia mother, Sarah, who owns her home outright. She wants to ensure her daughter, Emily, inherits the home eventually, but Sarah also wants to continue living there for the rest of her life. Sarah could create a life estate, naming herself as the life tenant and Emily as the remainderman. Sarah retains the right to live in the home, and upon her death, ownership automatically transfers to Emily, bypassing probate.

Life Estates and Medicaid Eligibility: The Pros

One of the primary reasons life estates are considered in Medicaid planning is their potential for asset protection. Here’s how they can be advantageous:

  • Asset Protection (After the Look-Back Period): When properly structured and established outside of Medicaid’s five-year look-back period (discussed below), the value of the remainder interest transferred to the remainderman is generally not considered a countable asset for the life tenant’s Medicaid eligibility. This is because the life tenant no longer owns the entire property; they only own the right to use it for their lifetime.
  • Home Preservation: For many people, their home is their most significant asset. A life estate can help protect the home from being sold to pay for long-term care costs, allowing the life tenant to remain in their home while potentially qualifying for Medicaid.
  • Simplified Transfer (Probate Avoidance): As mentioned earlier, the transfer of ownership to the remainder upon the life tenant’s death is automatic and avoids the probate process, saving time, expense, and potential complications.
  • Potential Tax Benefits (Step-Up in Basis): The remainder may receive a “step-up” in the property’s tax basis to its fair market value at the time of the life tenant’s death. This can significantly reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes if the remainderman later sells the property.

Life Estates and Medicaid Eligibility: The Cons

While West Virginia life estates offer potential benefits, they also come with significant drawbacks that must be carefully considered:

  • The Five-Year Look-Back Period: This is an important consideration. Medicaid has a five-year look-back period in West Virginia. Any transfer of assets for less than fair market value within this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. Creating a life estate is considered a transfer of the remainder interest. The value of this transfer is calculated using actuarial tables. If the life estate is created within the five-year look-back period, it will likely trigger a penalty, delaying Medicaid benefits.
  • Loss of Control: The life tenant loses significant control over the property. They cannot sell or mortgage the property without the consent of the remainderman. This can be a major problem if the life tenant’s circumstances change and they need to access the equity in the home.
  • Remainderman Issues: Potential problems can arise if the remainderman faces financial difficulties (e.g., bankruptcy, lawsuits), has marital problems, or predeceases the life tenant. These situations can complicate matters and potentially jeopardize the life tenant’s security.
  • Medicaid Liens and Estate Recovery: A properly structured life estate in West Virginia protects homes from Medicaid estate recovery when created outside the 5-year look-back period. WV recognizes enhanced life estate (Lady Bird) deeds, which exempt the property from both eligibility and recovery rules. If created within the look-back period, penalties may apply. This effective but complex strategy requires consultation with an elder law attorney.
  • Irrevocability: A traditional life estate is very difficult, if not impossible to change.
  • Tax Implications for the Life Tenant: If the property is sold WHILE the Life Tenant is still alive, there may be capital gains consequences.

Valuation of the Remainder Interest

When a life estate is created in West Virginia, the value of the remainder interest transferred to the remainderman must indeed be calculated to determine potential Medicaid penalties. This calculation is critical for determining whether the transfer falls within the five-year look-back period and, if applicable, the length of any penalty period.

Actuarial Tables

West Virginia uses its own specific life estate and remainder interest table for Medicaid purposes, not IRS tables. The state follows the table provided by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) in the State Medicaid Manual. This table assigns a specific life estate factor based on the life tenant’s age at the time the life estate is created.

The calculation process involves:

  • Determining the current market value of the property
  • Identifying the life estate factor based on the life tenant’s age
  • Multiplying the property value by the life estate factor to determine the life estate value
  • Subtracting the life estate value from the total property value to determine the remainder interest value

The older the life tenant, the lower the value of the life estate and the higher the value of the remainder interest.

Impact on Medicaid Eligibility

The calculated value of the remainder interest is considered a transfer of assets for less than fair market value. If this transfer occurs within the 60-month (5-year) look-back period, it will trigger a penalty period during which the individual will be ineligible for Medicaid.

The penalty period is calculated by dividing the uncompensated value (the value of the remainder interest) by the state’s average monthly nursing facility private pay rate, which is $5,751 as of the most recent information available.

Alternatives to Life Estates in Medicaid Planning

Because of the potential drawbacks of life estates, it’s essential to explore other options for Medicaid planning:

  • Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT): This is often a preferred alternative to a life estate. A MAPT allows you to transfer assets (including your home) into an irrevocable trust, protecting them from being counted for Medicaid eligibility after the look-back period. Unlike a life estate, a properly drafted MAPT can provide greater flexibility and control. You can name a trustee (often a trusted family member) to manage the assets, and the trust can specify how the assets are used and distributed.
  • Qualified Income Trusts (Miller Trusts): If an individual’s income exceeds Medicaid’s income limit, but is still not enough to cover their long-term care costs, a Miller Trust (also known as a Qualified Income Trust or QIT) can be used. All of the individual’s income is deposited into the trust, and the trust then pays for allowable expenses, including a personal needs allowance and, potentially, a portion of the nursing home costs.
  • Caregiver Agreements: A formal, legally sound caregiver agreement between the person needing care and a caregiver (often a family member) can be a legitimate way to spend down assets. The agreement must outline the services provided, the payment rate (which must be reasonable and customary), and other relevant terms.
  • Medicaid Compliant Annuities: These annuities can convert countable assets into a stream of income. This can be helpful in reducing countable assets and potentially qualifying for Medicaid. However, the annuity must meet specific requirements to be considered “Medicaid compliant.”
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Purchasing long-term care insurance can help cover the costs of nursing home care or in-home assistance, reducing the need to rely solely on Medicaid. However, premiums can be expensive, and policies should be carefully reviewed.
  • Spending Down Assets: Strategically using funds to purchase non-countable assets can be beneficial.

Protecting Your Assets: Understanding West Virginia Life Estates in Medicaid Planning

Life estates can play a role in Medicaid planning, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They offer potential benefits, such as asset protection and probate avoidance, but also come with significant drawbacks, including loss of control, potential for family conflicts, and the complexities of the five-year look-back period. At Hewitt Law PLLC, we are dedicated to helping West Virginia families navigate the complexities of elder law and Medicaid planning.

Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals. We can help you create a plan that provides peace of mind and protects your future.

Overcoming Medicaid’s Home Equity Limit: Strategies for Senior Homeowners in West Virginia

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For many senior homeowners in West Virginia, their home is more than just a building; it’s a repository of memories, a symbol of independence, and often their most significant financial asset. As we age, the possibility of needing long-term care, whether in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home, becomes a very real consideration. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, plays a vital role in helping individuals with limited income and resources afford these essential services. However, a significant hurdle for many seniors seeking Medicaid assistance is the Medicaid home equity limit.

Defining “Home Equity”

In the context of Medicaid, “home equity” is defined as the current fair market value of your home minus any outstanding debts secured by the home. This includes:

  • Mortgages
  • Home equity loans
  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
  • Reverse mortgages (the outstanding loan balance)
  • Any other liens against the property

Impact on Eligibility

If your home equity exceeds the state’s limit, you will likely be deemed ineligible for Medicaid long-term care benefits. This means you might be required to “spend down” your assets, potentially including selling your home, to reach the eligibility threshold. This can be devastating for seniors and their families.

Assessing Your Home Equity

Accurately determining your home equity is the first critical step in Medicaid planning. Here’s how:

  1. Obtain a Professional Appraisal: While online estimates (like Zillow or Redfin) can provide a general idea, they are not sufficient for Medicaid purposes. A professional appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser is the most reliable way to determine your home’s fair market value. This appraisal should be recent (ideally within the last few months).
  2. Gather Information on Outstanding Debts: Collect all statements related to your mortgage, home equity loans, HELOCs, and any other liens on your property. These statements will show the current outstanding balances.
  3. Calculate Your Equity: Subtract the total outstanding debt (from step 2) from the appraised value (from step 1). The result is your home equity.
  4. Document: Keep a copy of your appraisal, loan balances, and equity calculation.

Resources for Home Value Assessments:

  • Local Real Estate Appraisers: Search online for licensed appraisers in your area.
  • The Appraisal Institute: (www.appraisalinstitute.org) A professional association of real estate appraisers.

Strategies to Reduce or Protect Home Equity

Fortunately, several legal and ethical strategies can help you reduce or protect your home equity and qualify for Medicaid in West Virginia. It is essential to consult with an elder law attorney before implementing any of these strategies, as they have specific requirements and potential consequences.

a. Spousal Transfers:

One of the most important protections in Medicaid law is for the “community spouse” – the spouse who remains in the community while the other spouse (the “institutionalized spouse”) receives long-term care. Federal and state laws allow for the transfer of assets, including the home, to the community spouse without triggering the look-back period or causing a penalty. This is often done through a deed transfer. The community spouse is also allowed to keep a certain amount of assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA) and income (the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance, or MMMNA). These amounts vary by state.

b. Life Estate Deeds:

In West Virginia, a life estate deed allows you to transfer ownership of your home to beneficiaries while retaining the right to live in the property for your lifetime. As the life tenant, you maintain possession rights while your beneficiaries become the remaindermen. The home itself may remain an exempt asset for Medicaid eligibility during your lifetime if you continue to live there or intend to return, but the transfer of the remainder interest is considered a gift subject to Medicaid’s 5-year look-back period.

  • Benefits: Protects the home from Medicaid estate recovery after your death, as the property passes directly to remaindermen without probate. West Virginia allows enhanced life estate deeds (Lady Bird deeds), which provide greater flexibility.
  • Risks: With a standard life estate, you cannot sell or mortgage the property without remaindermen’s consent, though enhanced life estate deeds preserve these rights. Creating a life estate within the 5-year look-back period triggers a Medicaid ineligibility penalty based on the value of the remainder interest.
  • Remainder Interest: This portion transferred to beneficiaries is valued using West Virginia’s Medicaid life estate tables based on your age – the older you are, the higher the value of the remainder interest and potentially longer penalty period if within the look-back period.
  1. Irrevocable Trusts:

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is an irrevocable trust designed to hold your assets, including your home, and remove them from your countable resources for Medicaid eligibility. Once assets are transferred to the trust, you no longer own them, and they are managed by a trustee for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries.

  • Benefits: Provides strong asset protection, avoids probate.
  • Risks: You lose control over the assets, and the trust must be carefully drafted to comply with Medicaid rules. The transfer is subject to the look-back period. Importantly, you cannot be the trustee of a MAPT if you want it to protect your assets from Medicaid.

d. Reverse Mortgages:

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 and older to borrow against their home equity without making monthly payments. The loan is repaid when the homeowner dies, sells the home, or permanently moves out. While a reverse mortgage can provide access to cash, it increases the outstanding debt against the home, thereby reducing the equity. This strategy has both advantages and disadvantages in the context of Medicaid: it might help bring equity down below the limit, but the cash proceeds must be carefully spent.

  • Pros: Can provide access to cash, can reduce home equity.
  • Cons: Loan proceeds are considered income in the month received and an asset thereafter if not spent. Interest accrues on the loan, reducing the inheritance for heirs.

e. Spending Down Assets:

“Spending down” involves strategically using your assets to pay for allowable expenses, reducing your countable resources to meet Medicaid’s eligibility requirements. This must be done carefully to avoid violating the look-back period rules. Allowable expenses typically include:

  • Medical Expenses: Paying for medical bills, dental work, vision care, and other health-related costs not covered by insurance.
  • Pre-paid Funeral Expenses: Purchasing a pre-paid funeral contract or burial plot.
  • Debt Repayment: Paying off credit card debt, car loans, or other personal debts.
  • Home Improvements: Making necessary repairs or renovations to your home, particularly those that improve accessibility or safety.

f. Home Improvements for Medical Safety:

Certain home improvements that enhance safety and accessibility for the Medicaid applicant can be considered allowable spend-down expenses. Examples include:

  • Installing wheelchair ramps
  • Widening doorways
  • Modifying bathrooms for accessibility (e.g., installing grab bars, walk-in tubs)
  • Installing stairlifts
  • Adding a first-floor bedroom or bathroom

It is essential to keep detailed records of all spend-down transactions, including receipts, invoices, and explanations of how the expenses benefit West Virginia Medicaid applicants.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Medicaid planning is a complex area of law with significant financial and legal implications. It is strongly recommended to consult with an experienced elder law attorney before taking any action.

Elder Law Attorney: An elder law attorney focuses on legal issues affecting seniors, including Medicaid planning, estate planning, and guardianship. They can help you:

  • Understand the specific Medicaid rules in West Virginia.
  • Assess your individual situation and determine the best strategies.
  • Draft legal documents, such as trusts, life estate deeds, and caregiver agreements.
  • Represent you in any dealings with the Medicaid agency.

Financial Advisor: A financial advisor can help you manage your finances and understand the long-term implications of different Medicaid planning strategies.

Consequences of Improper Asset Transfers: Improperly transferring assets can result in a penalty period of ineligibility for Medicaid. This penalty is calculated based on the value of the transferred assets and the average cost of nursing home care in your state.

Look-back Period: The 5-year look-back period (60 months) is crucial. Any uncompensated transfers made during that time are reviewed by the Medicaid agency.

Medicaid Home Equity Limits: Effective Strategies to Protect Your Assets

Overcoming Medicaid’s home equity limit is a significant challenge, but it is achievable with careful planning and expert guidance. Consulting with an experienced West Virginia elder law attorney is the best way to understand your specific situation, develop a personalized plan, and navigate the complexities of Medicaid rules.

At Hewitt Law PLLC, we are committed to helping seniors and their families protect their assets and secure their future. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your long-term care planning needs.

How to Effectively Avoid the Medicaid 5-year Lookback

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The Medicaid 5-year lookback rule is a vital aspect of Medicaid eligibility for long-term care coverage, allowing the program to review financial transactions made within five years prior to application. This rule aims to prevent individuals from artificially impoverishing themselves to qualify for Medicaid benefits by identifying disqualifying transfers, which can result in penalty periods of ineligibility. Navigating this rule is essential for those anticipating the need for long-term care, as mistakes can lead to significant financial consequences.

Common Challenges and Pitfalls

While the concept of “avoid the Medicaid 5-year lookback” might sound straightforward—simply plan five years ahead—real-life scenarios are more complicated. Below are some prevalent hurdles you may encounter:

Misunderstanding What Counts as a Gift

Perhaps the most frequent mistake involves misunderstanding what qualifies as a gift under Medicaid rules. Many believe that modest gifts or payments to family members may not be scrutinized. In reality, any asset transfer that was sold or given away for less than fair market value can trigger a penalty. This can include:

  • Paying for a grandchild’s college tuition.
  • Selling your home to a relative at a discounted price.
  • Handing over large sums of cash to friends or relatives to “hold” for you.

A well-intentioned act of generosity might be interpreted as an attempt to reduce your assets to qualify for Medicaid.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Long-term care planning is often postponed until it becomes urgent—sometimes days or weeks before an individual requires a nursing home. By then, it is usually too late to transfer assets without incurring a penalty. Ideally, you should begin exploring strategies to avoid disqualifying transfers at least five years before a potential application for Medicaid. That way, any repositioning of assets or establishment of trusts falls outside of the lookback period entirely.

Complex Trust Arrangements

Trusts can be powerful tools in your arsenal, but setting them up incorrectly may lead to greater problems. For instance, an irrevocable trust can protect assets if it is carefully designed to comply with the law. However, if the trust allows you too much control or if it can be modified easily, Medicaid authorities may determine that the assets are still within your reach and thus countable. Similarly, a revocable trust almost never protects assets for Medicaid purposes because you can revoke or amend it.

Incomplete or Disorganized Documentation

When you apply for Medicaid, state agencies will demand precise records of your finances for up to five years. Missing bank statements, ambiguous evidence of how money was spent, or incomplete property transfer paperwork can spark lengthy reviews, denials, or penalty periods. Maintaining a detailed financial paper trail is crucial to reducing red tape and ensuring a smoother application process.

West Virginia Spousal Protection Rules

West Virginia’s Medicaid spousal impoverishment rules provide important protections for the “community spouse” when their partner requires long-term care. Here are the key details specific to West Virginia for 2025:

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA)

In West Virginia, the community spouse can keep up to $157,920 in countable assets without affecting the institutionalized spouse’s Medicaid eligibility. This is the maximum federal CSRA limit for 2025. The minimum CSRA in West Virginia is $31,584.

Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA)

West Virginia allows for a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance to ensure the community spouse has sufficient income. For 2025:

  • The minimum MMMNA is $2,555 per month
  • The maximum MMMNA is $3,948 per month

If the community spouse’s income falls below the MMMNA, they may be entitled to a portion of the institutionalized spouse’s income to reach this minimum level.

Asset Assessment

When applying for Medicaid in West Virginia, the state will conduct an asset assessment using the “snapshot date,” which is typically the first day of continuous institutionalization. All countable assets owned by either spouse are considered jointly owned for this assessment.

Important Considerations for West Virginia Residents

  • West Virginia is a “50% state,” meaning the community spouse can keep 50% of the couple’s combined countable assets, up to the maximum CSRA of $157,920.
  • The primary residence is typically exempt from Medicaid calculations if the community spouse continues to live there.
  • For 2025, the income limit for the institutionalized spouse applying for Medicaid is $2,901 per month.
  • West Virginia allows for a personal needs allowance of $50 per month for the institutionalized spouse.

Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Penalties from Medicaid

Many West Virginia individuals worry they might accidentally run afoul of Medicaid’s 5-year lookback. While the process can be complex, a proactive approach significantly boosts your chances of staying on the right side of the law. Below is a more detailed step-by-step roadmap to consider:

Evaluate Your Current Financial Situation

Identify Countable Assets

Some assets are considered “countable” under Medicaid rules (e.g., cash, stocks, bonds, vacation homes), while others may be “exempt” (e.g., your primary residence under specific conditions, one vehicle, certain pre-paid burial plans). Determine how much you have in each category.

Calculate Your Timeline

If you’re five or more years away from needing long-term care, you have a window to reorganize your finances strategically. If you suspect you’ll need care sooner, you still have options, but your strategy may need to be more carefully tailored.

Consult an Elder Law Attorney

  • State-Specific Expertise: The laws can differ even within regions, so if you live in West Virginia, speak with an elder law attorney who understands local statutes and regulations. An attorney can help confirm which assets are countable, which are exempt, and which trusts are valid tools in your situation.
  • Personalized Planning: Skilled attorneys offer customized strategies based on your age, health condition, family structure, and income streams. They can walk you through whether you should set up an irrevocable trust or whether a Medicaid-compliant annuity might better suit your situation.

Organize Trusts and Other Financial Instruments

  • Irrevocable Trusts: By placing property or funds into an irrevocable trust, you can potentially remove them from your countable assets, provided you have done so more than five years before applying for Medicaid. Irrevocable means you relinquish control over the assets, and the trust cannot be altered easily.
  • Medicaid-Compliant Annuities: Another vehicle used in some cases is a Medicaid-compliant annuity. This turns your lump-sum asset into a steady income stream paid to you over time, preventing the original lump sum from being counted as a resource. Understand, however, that these annuities often name the state as a beneficiary to recover costs if you pass away.

Keep Comprehensive Records

If you want to avoid disqualification and easily prove that your transactions are valid, documentation is everything. Hold onto:

  • Bank statements spanning at least five years
  • Receipts for major purchases or home improvements
  • Closing documents for property sales or transfers
  • Gift letters detailing the purpose and nature of any large financial gift

These records provide evidence that you did not transfer money or property with the sole intention of qualifying for Medicaid.

Spend-Down Strategies

When your assets exceed Medicaid’s threshold, you may engage in a spend-down. This must be done carefully. Here are some ways you could approach this:

  • Paying Off Debts: In some cases, using your resources to pay off a mortgage, credit cards, or other liabilities can reduce your countable assets without raising red flags.
  • Home Modifications: Investing in home improvements—such as building a wheelchair ramp, renovating a bathroom for accessibility, or replacing essential appliances—often qualifies as a legitimate spend-down, especially if intended for medical or age-related needs.
  • Pre-Paid Burial Plans: Setting up a pre-paid funeral or burial arrangement can also be considered an exempt asset.

You must ensure your spend-down actions conform to Medicaid rules and state laws, so confirm everything with your attorney.

Tips for Navigating the Legal Process

Start Early

Try to plan for long-term care expenses well in advance, aiming for at least five years before you might need Medicaid assistance.

Seek Local Guidance

Rules differ across states. Consult an attorney with relevant experience.

Stay Organized

Keep financial documents, medical records, and legal forms in one accessible place. This will streamline the Medicaid application process and help avoid confusion.

Understand Trust Options

If you opt for an irrevocable trust, confirm that it aligns with federal and state guidelines so that assets genuinely leave your possession for Medicaid purposes.

Stay Informed

Regulations do change. Keep an eye on updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the West Virginia Administrative Code that might affect your planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Counts as a Disqualifying Transfer?

Any transfer of assets for less than fair market value within five years of your Medicaid application can be deemed “disqualifying.” Gifts, below-market property sales, and certain trust arrangements are common examples. The key is whether you received fair compensation.

Is My Primary Residence Always Safe?

A home is often considered exempt if a spouse or certain qualifying relatives remain living in it. However, once you transfer ownership, the rules become more intricate. For example, transferring your house to your adult child below market value right before applying could create a penalty, unless an exception applies (like a caretaker child exemption).

Can I Return an Improper Transfer?

In some states, returning the exact asset (or its value) can reduce or eliminate the penalty period. If you realize you made a mistake with a transfer, consult an attorney to see if reversing it is possible. Rules can differ, so this approach may not always work.

How Do Spousal Impoverishment Rules Help?

Spousal impoverishment rules safeguard the spouse who remains at home (the “community spouse”). They can keep a certain portion of the couple’s income and assets, known as the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), to avoid impoverishment. In West Virginia, the HHSC determines the exact resource and income thresholds, which can change annually.

Is It Ever Too Late to Plan?

Even if you need long-term care soon, you still have options. Certain “crisis planning” strategies may reduce penalties, although they are more limited. The best practice remains planning ahead—ideally at least five years before any anticipated need for Medicaid-covered care.

What About Estate Recovery?

Under federal law, states must try to recover Medicaid costs from the estates of deceased beneficiaries who received long-term care. This is known as Medicaid Estate Recovery. Certain exemptions exist, such as when a surviving spouse or dependent child is still living, but otherwise, the state may attempt to recoup costs from the individual’s home or other assets.

Protect Your Assets and Medicaid Eligibility: Contact Hewitt Law PLLC to Plan Your Legal Strategy

Planning how to effectively avoid the Medicaid 5-year lookback is not just about staying within the bounds of the law; it is also about preserving your financial security and ensuring you receive the care you need. At Hewitt Law PLLC, we provide personalized guidance on trusts, gifting strategies, and crisis planning, ensuring you have a clear path forward. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today to schedule a consultation.