Questions & Answers

What are the acceptable ways of spending someones $$$ who is applying for Medicaid? Can it be on clothing, home furnishings or appliances? Can funeral arrangements be pre-paid? What other ways can be used without Medicaid seeing it as a cash value or asset that they can cash in on?

You may pay for anything for the benefit of the nursing home resident, including clothing, furnishings, a prepaid funeral or irrevocable funeral contract, entertainment, extra therapy, or the professional services of a geriatric care manager or elder law attorney. The exact rules around such spending can differ from state to state, with some Medicaid agencies being more expansive than others in what they will permit. To know for certain is allowed, you need to meet with a local elder law attorney, who can let you know if there are other planning steps available in your situation.