Medicaid Planning for Seniors: Protect Your Spouse, Your Home, and Your Care Options
Get clear, compassionate guidance on Medicaid eligibility and long‑term care costs. Talk with a Medicaid planning advisor or a qualified elder law attorney to safeguard essential assets and support the healthy spouse.
Who this is for
Seniors or families facing nursing home, assisted living, or in‑home care costs
Couples worried about protecting the healthy spouse’s income and savings
Caregivers looking for practical, legal ways to afford quality care
What is Medicaid planning?
Medicaid planning helps you legally arrange income and assets so you can qualify for Medicaid to pay for long‑term care (nursing home or, in many states, home and community‑based services). Done properly, it follows state and federal rules and avoids unnecessary hardship for a healthy spouse or caregiver.
Why work with a Medicaid planning advisor or elder law attorney?
Protect the healthy spouse: Use spousal impoverishment rules to help the healthy spouse keep needed income and a fair share of assets.
Preserve essential assets: In many cases, a portion of home equity, one vehicle, personal belongings, and some savings can be protected.
Avoid costly mistakes: Transfers or gifts at the wrong time can create penalties and delays. A professional helps you avoid these pitfalls.
Speed up approval: Correct documentation and strategy can shorten the time to benefits.
Coordinate benefits: Align Medicaid with Medicare, VA Aid & Attendance, and long‑term care insurance when available.
When should you start?
Crisis planning (now): If care is needed soon or already underway, there are immediate steps that may help protect assets and income.
Early planning (6–24 months ahead): More options may be available, but even last‑minute planning can make a difference. Rules vary by state and change yearly.
How Medicaid eligibility works (in plain English)
Income limits: Some states have income caps. If you’re over the limit, a Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller Trust) may help. '
Countable vs. exempt assets: Cash, investments, and extra property may be countable; your primary home (up to a limit), one car, household goods, and personal items are often exempt. State rules vary.
Spousal protections: The healthy spouse may keep a protected share of assets (Community Spouse Resource Allowance) and enough income to live on (Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance). Amounts differ by state and are updated annually.
5‑year look‑back: Medicaid reviews most transfers and gifts made in the past five years (shorter in some states for certain programs). Improper transfers can trigger a penalty period.
Estate recovery: After the Medicaid recipient passes, the state may seek repayment from the estate, with important exceptions and protections.
State‑specific rules: Eligibility and amounts change by state and program. A local professional can tailor a plan.
Call now(800) 989-8137 or click “Find Care Near Me” to get matched with options today.
What you can do now
Speak with a Medicaid planning expert: Get a free, no‑obligation consultation to review your situation.
Check your eligibility: A quick pre‑screen can identify options for protecting the healthy spouse and speeding approval.
Gather documents: IDs, bank statements, deeds, insurance policies, and care invoices help you get answers faster.
Common myths (and the facts)
“Medicaid will take my home.” Not always. Your primary residence may be exempt while you or your spouse live there, and there are additional protections. Estate recovery rules apply later, with exceptions.
“You must give away everything to qualify.” No. Proper planning focuses on lawful strategies, not giveaways that trigger penalties.
“Only people with no savings can get Medicaid.” Not true. Many middle‑income families qualify after planning and spend‑down strategies consistent with the rules.
“Planning is unethical.” Ethical planning uses existing laws—similar to tax planning—to avoid unnecessary hardship and preserve a basic standard of living for the healthy spouse.
Our services
Medicaid eligibility review and strategy
Spousal income and asset protection planning
Application preparation and documentation
Coordination with VA, Medicare, and long‑term care benefits
Referrals to trusted elder law attorneys and care providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is health insurance primarily for people 65+; it doesn’t cover most long‑term custodial care. Medicaid is needs‑based and can cover nursing home care and, in many states, home care.
Will my spouse have enough to live on?
Yes, rules help the healthy spouse keep a fair share of income and assets. Exact amounts depend on your state and update annually.
Can I give money to my children to qualify?
Gifts within the 5‑year look‑back can cause a penalty period. Talk to an advisor before making transfers.
How long does approval take?
It varies by state and completeness of your documents. Planning and organized paperwork can reduce delays.
Do I need an attorney?
Many families benefit from both a Medicaid planner and an elder law attorney, especially for trusts, real estate, or appeals.
Can Medicaid help with home care?
In many states, yes, through Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Availability and waitlists vary.
